Born at Plymouth; served as an engraver's apprentice in London; studied at the Royal Academy, and excelled in miniature painting; he became celebrated as a painter of historical scenes and characters, and in 1854 was appointed professor of Painting in the Royal Academy, and subsequently librarian; his works include "Henry I. receiving intelligence of the Death of his Son," "Milton visiting Galileo in Prison," "Wolsey and Buckingham," "Lady Jane Grey in the Tower," &c. (1806-1881).