2-982-066 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

New Associates of the Royal Academy: Mr. J. W. Oakes, A.R.A., 1876. Engraving from a photograph by Messrs. Elliott and Fry. 'This able landscape painter was born at Sproston House, near Middlewich, Cheshire. When young he went to Liverpool, and was taught the rudiments of art by Mr. W. J. Bishop, the drawing-master of the Liverpool College. For the rest, Nature has been his only school through life, as the individuality of his works and their close reference to nature amply show. But though a realist in his attention to detail, many of his landscapes are distinguished by imaginative conception and poetic treatment. In 1856 Mr. Oakes removed to London, where he has since resided. He has been a very regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy, contributions by him having appeared annually on its walls, with one exception, since 1818. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.