THE LATE EDWARD UPTON EDDIS, R.A.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR:1
Sr,—The oldest representative of art in this artistic neigh- bourhood has left us, to our great regret. Mr. Eddis was born in 1812, and up to the last years retained his powers in a remarkable degree. His talent manifested itself very early, and he was allowed to choose art as a profession. He entered the Academy School at fifteen, and gained several prizes. Very early in life he started as a portrait painter, and for fifty years exhibited in the Royal Academy. Sydney Smith, Macaulay, and many other celebrated people sat to him, but perhaps he succeeded best of all with children, and not a few of our old and middle-aged contemporaries were immortalised in their lovely childhood by his brush and pencil. It is not surprising that his sitters should always look their best. His conversation was full of interest, and no one could sit oppo- site to him without in a measure reflecting his face beaming with the charm of benevolence,—a face expressive of his kind heart and genial disposition. He was extremely sociable, but his deafness, his only apparent infirmity, in late years im- paired his pleasure in society, where to the last he was a great favourite. His life was full of work and enjoyment, and while deploring their irreparable loss, his family and friends must be grateful that he did not survive his faculties or affections, and that he fell asleep surrounded by the tender care of those he loved best on earth. I feel sure that his many friends will be pleased if you will find space for this attempt to put on record the effect produced on all who knew Mr. Eddis by a personality of singular charm.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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