Daniel Orme

Daniel Orme (25 August 1766 – 8 February 1837) was an English artist, publisher, and official Historical Engraver to George III and the Prince of Wales, the future George IV.

Early life Orme was born in Manchester in 1766, the second of six or seven children born to Aaron Orme (1707–82) a fustian cloth manufacturer, and his third wife, Margaret Walmsley (1739-1808). A portrait of Orme's father Aaron, either by the painter Joseph Wright or one of his circle, names Aaron as the Master of the Cheshire Fox Hounds and shows him in a uniform that is likely that of Staffordshire Militia.

Orme's father encouraged his interest in an artistic career. Two of Orme's younger brothers, Edward and William were also artists. His brother Robert was a solicitor for the British East India Company.

Career Orme entered the Royal Academy Schools in London on 7 March 1785, where he studied for several years, competing for the Royal Academy Gold Medal in 1788. He has two paintings in the National Maritime Museum.

Orme exhibited eleven portraits at the Royal Academy between 1797 and 1801. He also worked with the American-born artist Mather Brown over several years.

Works

Portrait of Olaudah Equiano, known as Gustavus Vassa, after W. Denton, 1789 James Cecil, 1st Marquess of Salisbury, 1796 Admiral Adam Duncan, 1797 Admiral de Winter, 1797 Horatio Nelson, 1798 Sir Henry Trollope, 1798 Sir John Borlase Warren Jack Crawford, 1804

Personal life Orme married Ann Barr at St George's Church in Hanover Square on 25 June 1787. They had eight children, five daughters and three sons. He sketched himself and one of his daughters attending an archery day held at the Duke of Devonshire's residence in Derbyshire, Chatsworth, in 1823. Orme was "...on the spot for the express purpose.." of capturing the events and people in attendance.

In 1814 Orme was held for a time in Fleet Prison for unpaid debts, as recorded in The London Gazette.

Orme died at Buxton in Derbyshire in 1837 and was survived by Ann.

Notes and sources