The Life and Travels of James Parmentier
James Parmentier, also known as Jacques Parmentier, was a French painter who spent much of his career in England, working in both London and Yorkshire. His artistic journey began under the guidance of his uncle, Sébastien Bourdon, and continued under the instruction of another relative. In September 1676, he traveled to England to work under the decorative painter Charles de La Fosse, who was engaged in painting the ceilings at Montagu House in Bloomsbury.
His talent brought him to the attention of William III, who sent him to work at the palace of Het Loo in Holland. During his time in the Netherlands, Parmentier painted the ceiling and two chimney-pieces in the chief room of the royal palace at Binnenhof. He eventually became a master and a member of the guild of St Luke at The Hague on 1 December 1698.
Artistic Commissions and Later Years
After returning to London, Parmentier moved to Yorkshire, where he painted many portraits. His notable commissions included:
- An altarpiece of the Last Supper for the Holy Trinity Church at Hull, for which he was paid £50 in 1711.
- A ceiling painting of Moses receiving the law for St. Peter's Church at Leeds.
- Decorations for staircases at Worksop Manor and the house of John Atkinson in Leeds.
In 1721, he returned to London and became a member of a masonic music club called the Philo-musicae et -architecturae societas Apollini. He painted the sign for the Apollo tavern, which was renamed in recognition of its musical clientele. Parmentier died on 2 December 1730 and was buried in St Paul's, Covent Garden.
