John Simpson: A Life in Portraiture Early Life and Training Born in London in 1782, John Simpson embarked on a career as a portrait painter during a vibrant period of British art. He received his foundational training at the prestigious Royal Academy, honing his skills and establishing himself within the artistic community. Crucially, Simpson spent several years as an assistant to Sir Thomas Lawrence, PRA – a leading portraitist of the era. This mentorship profoundly shaped his style and approach to capturing likenesses. Artistic Development and Style Simpson’s early work reflect…