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 Norwich and its burgeoning cultural scene. 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—a testament to his dedication and innate talent. His early portraits, notably two conversation pieces dating bac…