James Jackson Curnock – artistPortrait painter and artist1750 to 1750
April 1, 2025
Walter ReidPortrait painter and artist1750 to 1750
April 1, 2025
Early life
Born to Dennis Curock, who was a cordwainer (someone who makes shoes from leather, and Ann Edgley Curnock, James lived in Bristol his whole life.
Home life
James married Sarah Wilson on the 31st March 1836. Together they had 4 children (3 girls and a boy):
- Isabelle Wilson Curnock (1837-1861), died aged 23 (also buried at Arnos Vale)
- James Jackson Curnock (1839-1891) (also buried at Arnos Vale)
- Edith Alice Curnock (1844-1911)
- Alice Marian Curnock (1851-1888)
Painting career
Mary_Ann_Cox_painted_by_James_Curnock_circa_1840 From the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery collection
Known as an eminent portrait and rustic figure painter, James Curnock started painting aged 7. He was meant to learn under the famous British portraitist, John Jackson RA, but sadly, upon reaching his mentor’s house, found he had just died. And so, aged only 17, James learnt to paint under his own steam.
This soon led to an impressive reputation locally, especially for his watercolours. Aged 18, one of his first painting, ‘Red Riding Hood’ was exhibited at the Institution, Park Street. James became well versed in portrait painting, and painted local dignatories of the time including an ex-mayor of Bristol, vicars, and others.
In 1847, James first exhibited his art at the Royal Academy, and had work there every year after during his life. He was a committee member of the Bristol Academy. Such was his work that he once sold a painting, called ‘The pet of the camp’ in 1862 for £73 (which is just over £11,000 in today’s money). His work is still sold and bought today.
He inspired his son John James Jackson to become a watercolour painter, and it is believed his father taught him.
Death
James died on the 29th May 1862 at Walton in Gordano, Bristol, upon visiting there in a hope that the sea breezes would restore his energies. Years previously he had been diagnosed with Bright’s Disease- a kidney disease. He was treated by Mr Bright himself, the father of nephrology. He seemed to go into a form of remission, but sadly died at the age of 50.
