Charles Branwhite Snr AOWS (1817-1880)

Charles Branwhite was born on June 7, 1817, in Bristol, as the second son of the renowned miniature painter Nathan Cooper Branwhite and the grandson of poet Peregrine Branwhite. Initially trained as a sculptor under his father’s guidance, Branwhite earned silver medals from the Society of Arts in London and exhibited his work at the Bristol Society of Artists. However, inspired by the work of William James Müller, he shifted his focus to painting, particularly in oil and watercolour. He remained in Bristol, showcasing his paintings locally and in London at the British Institution and the Royal Academy, with a special emphasis on scenes of snow and frost. Branwhite became an Associate of the Society of Painters in Water Colours in 1849 and later joined the Royal West of England Academy in 1913. He passed away on February 15, 1880, at his residence, Bramford House, Westfield Park, Clifton, Bristol.