Lear, Edward

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Lear, Edward (1812–88). Artist. Commencing his career as an illustrator for others, particularly of birds, he depicted the earl of Derby's private menagerie at Knowsley in 1832–7, when he entertained his patron's grandchildren with humorous verses, tales, and sketches. These subsequently developed into the engaging books of nonsense for which he is today chiefly remembered, though their word colour and quirkiness are pervaded by melancholy. Despite an affinity with children, he remained unmarried, and, owing to his poor health, spent most of his life abroad. Travelling widely in Mediterranean countries, productive yet remaining careful and accurate, Lear earned a living as a topographical landscape painter in both water-colour and oils, and published illustrated travel journals. On one visit to England, he gave lessons in drawing to Queen Victoria. He died quietly at San Remo (Italy), where he is buried.

A. S. Hargreaves

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