The Life of Robert Thorburn
Born in Dumfries in March 1818, Robert Thorburn was the son of a tradesman. After receiving his early education at Dumfries High School, he moved to Edinburgh at age fifteen to study drawing at the Academy, where he made rapid progress. He later moved to London to enter the classes of the Royal Academy. As a native of Dumfries, he enjoyed the patronage of the Duke of Buccleuch, which provided him with many commissions.
Thorburn achieved success as a miniature-painter and was elected an associate of the Royal Academy in 1848. His career included a first commission from Queen Victoria in 1846, and he later painted portraits of the Queen and the Prince of Wales, known as Edward VII. At the Paris International Exhibition of 1855, he was awarded a gold medal.
Artistic Technique and Later Years
Thorburn's miniatures were larger than usual, often featuring more of the figure and accompanied by landscape backgrounds. These works were painted on large pieces of ivory, sometimes using pieces joined together. His portraits included many notable figures, such as the Duchess of Manchester.
When photography began to supersede miniature painting, Thorburn transitioned to oil-painting, exhibiting portraits and other subjects at the Royal Academy exhibitions with moderate success. He maintained a house at Lasswade, near Edinburgh, but passed away in Tunbridge Wells in 1885.
