Portrait of Sir Luke
by Downey
Name: Sir Samuel Luke Fildes
Dates: 1844 - 1927
Profession: Art
Address: 31 Melbury Road, W8
Dates at address: 1878 - 1927
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Biography
Fildes was born in Liverpool to James Fildes and Susanna Fogg.
At eleven he began living with his grandmother. A political
radical, she supported his studies despite disapproving of his
choice of career. After studying in various institutions he
enrolled at the Government Art Training School, South Kensington.
He married Fanny Woods in 1874. They had seven children.
In 1866 he became an illustrator, preparing paintings for
engraving. He went on to illustrate for The Quiver, the Cornhill
Magazine, the Gentleman’s Magazine and The Graphic. His work for
The Graphic attracted the attention of Dickens, who hired him to
illustrate his last novel, Edwin Drood. He later branched into
painting but his real skill was his illustrations, whose fans
included Vincent Van Gogh. A realist, most of his work was
uncompromising and hard-hitting, portraying the conditions of
England’s poor, although he also painted romantic scenes and
portraits.
Part of the Melbury Road Set, Fildes was a popular and loyal
member. Generous and considerate, one of his most notable acts of
friendship was his support for Thornycroft after his debilitating
stroke. However, he could also be strict, famously informing a
drunken and abusive Cecil Rhodes, “not to come for a sitting
smelling of brandy.” He died at his home in Melbury Road in 1927
and is buried at Brookwood cemetery.
Related records:
Browne Hablot Knight – Art
Marcus
Stone – Art
Sir Hamo Thornycroft – Art