56 Some Notes on Gainsborough and Ms connection with Bradford. 



is no visitors' guide-book to Bradford-on-Avon, and so long- as Canon 

 J ones remains the vicar it will be unnecessary ; every stranger may 

 find in him, not only a safe and accurate guide, but one always 

 ready to impart information relating to objects of interest in this 

 quaint and picturesque town. 



It may, however, be objected that in occupying your time and 

 attention with a paper on recollections of Gainsborough in Bradford, 

 I am myself guilty of claiming for this locality an interest in the 

 great modern artist to which it is not entitled. The question 

 may be asked, "What connection is there between Bradford and 

 Gainsborough,a man of mark, who was neither born nor buried here ? " 

 The few notes now submitted will be my answer, and if it can be 

 shown that there resided in Bradford a man whose force of character 

 and remarkable physiognomy attracted the notice and secured the 

 friendship of Gainsborough, and that in this place he executed a 

 work that has ever since been regarded as an example of the highest 

 style of portraiture, and is still considered by the best judges to be 

 Gainsborough's masterpiece— if, moreover, it is found that the 

 singular beauty of this valley brought Gainsborough from time to 

 time to Bradford, to make sketches for some of his most charming 

 landscapes, I think this town may not unfairly claim some connection 

 with the great master — a connection more noteworthy than the 

 circumstance, even if it could be affirmed, that he was either born 

 or buried here. 



The memoirs of Gainsborough are full of interest, on account of 

 his residence in Bath when that city was in the heyday of its 

 prosperity, and from the fact that he was — apart from his works — 

 a notable character, a musician as well as an artist, possessing many 

 admirable qualities with not a few eccentricities. But it is not my 

 present purpose to give a recital of his life, only to refer you to a 

 few passages in his history. 



It will be in your recollection that Gainsborough was a native of 

 Sudbury, in Suffolk, a town about the size of Bradford-on-Avon, 

 and somewhat similar in character ; memorable for its antiquity and 

 early ecclesiastical remains, rich in picturesque old buildings, and 

 surrounded by scenery of more than ordinary beauty. Both places 



