John White Abbott

1763 – 1851

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The Ouse Bridge at York 1820

Original etching with aquatint.

Very good impression from the collection of Mrs. J. White Abbott, thence by descent. This is one of the impressions referred to by A.P. Oppé in his reference catalogue on John White Abbott’s printed works.

Inscribed in pencil on original support mount “The Old Ouse Bridge. York. Engraved White Abbott. 1820”, as described by Oppé in his catalogue listing.

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Lympstone, Devon 1800

Original etching with aquatint.

Outstanding impression from the collection of Mrs. J. White Abbott, thence by descent. This is the very impression used by A.P. Oppé to compile the only reference catalogue on John White Abbott’s printed works. Although this plate bears an engraved publication line which reads: “London: Published July 1st 1800”, no publisher is named and no published issue is known.

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The work of John White Abbott will forever remain linked to that of his friend and mentor, Francis Towne. Abbott was born and educated in Exeter and he lived in this area throughout his life, establishing a practise as a surgeon. He studied art under his friend Francis Towne and he assimilated Towne’s style so closely that their works are at times almost indistinguishable. Abbott exhibited annually at the Royal Academy between the years 1795 and 1805; his last recorded exhibit being in the Academy show of 1822. Despite introductions to many of the leading artists and patrons of the day, Abbott chose never to become a professional artist, retaining his practise as a surgeon throughout his life.

Essentially a landscape artist, Abbott seldom travelled beyond the bounds of his native county of Devon, contenting himself with the local scenery which he portrayed with unceasing freshness and constant vigour. Apart from a number of classical and mythological subjects and some direct copies of Towne’s works, almost all of John White Abbott’s work depicts topographical scenery in the Exeter region. [more]