John Morgan British (1823-1886)

Although Morgan painted numerous historical and biblical subjects throughout his lifetime, the majority of his popular work clearly reflects his interest in the theme of childhood. Born at Pentonville, London, he first began working as a woodcarver and furniture designer. Deciding upon a career in art, he traveled to Paris where he is known to have studied under Thomas couture and Paul Delaroche.

Morgan began exhibiting at the annual Royal Academy shows in 1852 and continued to be a popular participant until his death. He was elected to membership in the Royal Society of British Artists in 1875, where he exhibited over one hundred works, many with titles such as "Mischief," "The Playfellows," and "Snowballing."

The artist evidently found much pleasure, and success, in depicting this time of innocent games and worldly unconcern. One of his children, Frederick Morgan, was also an artist who continued in his father's style.

Although little has been found in the way of critical analysis of his work, the Magazine of Art did write of Morgan's work at the Society of British Artists exhibition in 1861: "…it tells the story that is to be told, and the story is a good story. Its appeal is to our curiosity, to our interest, to our sympathy; and its success lies altogether in touching our hearts."

Biography excerpted from the unpublished catalog by Edward P. Bentley for the Haussner Restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland, titled: Haussner's, The Children.