Commissioned by Marcus Stone himself, stands this house on 8 Melbury Road. Here, a blue plaque commemorates the English painter. But who was Marcus Stone?
Born in London in 1840, Marcus Stone was the son of painter Frank Stone. Marcus trained with his father. He began exhibiting at the Royal Academy before he turned eighteen. He found success illustrating books by Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, and other writers. These writers were friends of his family.
Stone’s early work included historical incidents. Later, he focused on dainty sentiments. He treated these sentiments with charm, refinement, and skill. Many of his works were engraved. Medals were awarded to him at exhibitions around the world.
Stone’s artistic journey took interesting turns. He first gained recognition for illustrating the novels of Charles Dickens. Later, he shifted his focus to historical painting with military themes. Eventually, he transitioned to sentimental scenes. These scenes proved popular as engravings.
Marcus Stone wished to be called Marcus “Apollo Belvedere” Stone. This lofty name suited a man who commissioned a stately home of his own design. Richard Norman Shaw designed the house. Stone was known for his intuition and dedication to study.
His father’s home was a meeting place for prominent artists. This allowed Marcus to absorb knowledge of the art world. He was viewed as a link between two worlds of thought and art.
At seventeen, Stone exhibited at the Royal Academy. The next year, his father died. Dickens advocated for Stone. He secured him illustration jobs. But Stone eventually stopped drawing. He wanted to focus on painting. Painting brought him recognition.
Stone’s paintings often depicted scenes of women reading love letters. They showed displays of courtship and friendship. Lush garden scenes were common. These sympathetic themes resonated with Victorian audiences.
In 1871, Stone married Laura Mary H Broun. She was the daughter of New Zealand merchant William Brown.
Stone was among the first Victorian artists to commission a house from Richard Norman Shaw. He lived in Kensington. His custom-made studio home reflected his artistic habits. He exhibited at the Royal Academy every year from 1858 to 1920.
Stone became an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1877. In 1886, he became a full Academician. His painting “A Prior Attachment” was purchased by the Royal Academy.
Marcus Stone died in Kensington on March 24, 1921. The blue plaque on this house marks his residence from 1877 to 1921. It commemorates his life and work as an artist. His legacy lives on through his paintings and illustrations. They capture the sentiments of the Victorian era.