Joseph Highmore: A Master of English Conversation Pieces Born in London on June 13, 1692, and passing away in Canterbury on March 3, 1780, Joseph Highmore stands as a pivotal figure in the history of British painting. Initially discouraged from pursuing art by his family’s mercantile background, Highmore’s innate talent eventually led him to study at Kneller's Academy, laying the foundation for a distinguished career spanning over si…