Early Life and Birmingham Roots David Cox, born on April 29th, 1783 in the industrial heart of Deritend, Birmingham, emerged from humble beginnings that profoundly shaped his artistic vision. His father, a blacksmith and whitesmith, instilled a work ethic that would serve him throughout his life, though young David’s slight build proved unsuited to the forge. Initially apprenticed to a maker of trinkets – miniature portraits on snuffboxes and lacquered buckles – he quickly demonstrated an aptitude for painting, a talent nurtured by a mother possessing “superior intelligence” and a quiet dete…