Thomas Bardwell: A Norwich Portraitist and Pioneer of Artistic Instruction Thomas Bardwell (1704 – 1767) stands as a significant figure in the artistic landscape of eighteenth-century England, particularly within the vibrant art scene of Norwich. Initially establishing himself as a painter of decorative panels for his family’s business in Bungay, Suffolk, Bardwell swiftly ascended to prominence through commissions that showcased both technical skill and imaginative vision. His early portraits—conversation pieces dating back to 1736—offer glimpses into the social life of his time, notably one…