“Hughes, Arthur. 1832 to 1915. Pre-Raphaelite Painter lived and died here.” That’s the inscription on the blue plaque. It commemorates Arthur Hughes. He was a Pre-Raphaelite painter. But what does Arthur Hughes have to do with the James Black Centre? Let’s uncover the story behind this connection.
The James Black Centre itself may not directly relate to Arthur Hughes. However, Hughes’ life and work offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural landscape of London. Especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Arthur Hughes was born in London. He studied at Archbishop Tenison’s Grammar School. Later, he entered the School of Design at Somerset House in 1846. There, he studied under Alfred Stevens. In 1847, he won an art studentship at the Royal Academy Schools. Two years later, he exhibited his first picture Musidora at the Academy.
Hughes was a Pre-Raphaelite sympathiser. Though he was never a member of the group. He converted to Pre-Raphaelitism in 1850. This happened after reading the Pre-Raphaelite magazine The Germ. In the same year, he met William Holman Hunt, D.G. Rossetti and Ford Madox Brown.
His first Pre-Raphaelite painting was Ophelia. It was exhibited in 1852. He also met Millais that year. During the 1850s, he produced some of his best-known works. These included April Love and The Long Engagement. From 1852 to 1858, he shared a studio with sculptor Alexander Munro.
In 1855, Hughes married Tryphena Foord. They eventually had five children. He also began a successful career as an illustrator in 1855. He became associated with works of Thomas Hughes, George Macdonald and Christina Rossetti. He devoted much of the next two decades to illustrating. Hughes contributed to the Oxford Union decorations in 1857. He moved from London in 1858. In 1862, he made a short visit to Italy. He exhibited for the last time at the Royal Academy in 1908. Arthur Hughes died at Kew near London. A sale of his works took place at Christie’s in 1921.
Retrospective exhibitions of Hughes’s work have been held. The Fine Arts Society held one in 1900. The Rembrandt Galleries held one in 1904. Walker Galleries held a memorial exhibition in 1916. The National Museum of Wales Cardiff and Leighton House London held one in 1971.
While the James Black Centre stands as a modern institution. The story of Arthur Hughes enriches our understanding of London’s artistic heritage. It reminds us that every corner of this city has a story to tell. The plaque at Eastside House marks where he lived and died. It serves as a reminder of his contributions to art. So, while visiting the James Black Centre, remember Arthur Hughes. Remember the Pre-Raphaelites. Think of the artistic tapestry that makes London so unique.