Mark Robert Harrison

Mark Robert Harrison (7 September 1819 – 6 December 1894) was a British-born painter, actor, theatre manager, and art teacher. He studied under multiple noted painters across Canada and the United States, before returning to England and attending the Royal Academy of Arts. He later became known for his paintings depicting biblical and historical scenes, among other subjects. He also was involved in theatre as an actor and manager. Harrison moved to Wisconsin in 1849 to operate a steamboat service with his brother; after the service's failure, he remained in Wisconsin and continued to paint until his death in 1894.

Early life Mark Robert Harrison was born in Hovingham, Yorkshire, on 7 September 1819. He was the son of Robert Launcelot Harrison and artist Anne Bellemore. In 1821 or 1822, Harrison and his family moved to Westmoreland, New York; after eleven years there, they relocated to Hamilton, Ontario. With his parents' support, Harrison began to study under James Bowman in Toronto at the age of 14. Afterwards, he was taught by Colby Kimble in Rochester, New York, and Henry Inman in New York City. Before leaving Hamilton for England in 1838, he also founded the Hamilton Amateur Theatrical Society.