Thomas Barker painter

Thomas Barker (1769–1847), known as Barker of Bath, was a British painter of landscapes and rural life. Born near Pontypool in Monmouthshire, he showed early artistic talent but was self-taught. His father, Benjamin Barker, was an artist who painted horses and later became a Japanware decorator. At 16, Thomas moved to Bath with his family and gained patronage from Charles Spackman.

Barker spent four years copying Dutch and Flemish masters before traveling to Rome at age 21, where he focused on society life rather than painting. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and British Institution for nearly 50 years, producing almost 100 works. His notable piece, *The Woodman*, was sold twice for 500 guineas each. In 1821, he painted *The Trial of Queen Caroline* and later created a large fresco titled *The Inroad of the Turks upon Scio* in Bath.

His works were widely reproduced on pottery, fabrics, and other materials. Barker was one of the first British artists to use lithography, contributing to *Specimens of Polyautography*. He published his own series in 1813. His art is held in collections like the Tate Gallery, British Museum, and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Inspired by Thomas Gainsborough, Barker used a grouping from one of Gainsborough’s works in a self-portrait. His art appeared on BBC shows such as *Fake or Fortune?* and *Britain's Lost Masterpieces*. Barker’s family included other artists: his father Benjamin, brother Benjamin II, and son Thomas Jones Barker, who studied under Horace Vernet in Paris and painted military scenes.