John Emms (1843-1912)

John Emms was born on the 21st of April 1843 in Blofield, Norfolk. Son of the artist William Emms, it is understood that he studied under neo-classical painter Frederick Leighton. John Emms was an animal and sporting painter, specialising in foxhounds, terriers and horses. His works are mainly in oils, they show a confident hand, bold brush strokes, generous layers of paint and a great understanding of the physical elements of his subjects. Emms exhibited frequently in London from 1866 to 1903, particularly at the Royal Academy and the Suffolk Street Gallery. Emms famously painted a series of Clumber spaniel works for the Duke and Duchess of Newcastle. Emms works can be found in National Trust Tatton Park Knutsford, National Gallery Edinburgh, New Forrest Museum & Council Lyndhurst, Russell Cotes Art Gallery Bournemouth, Sheffield Museum, Southampton City Gallery, Torre Abbey House, Torquay. John Emms passed away on the 1st November 1912 at the family home in Lyndhurst.