Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Chase, John

1351778Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 10 — Chase, John1887Louis Alexander Fagan

CHASE, JOHN (1810–1879), landscape water-colour painter, was born in John Street, Fitzroy Square, on 26 Feb. 1810. When a child he received some instruction from John Constable, R.A. [q. v.], and afterwards studied architecture. is earliest attempts in art were elaborate interiors, such as those of Henry VII's Chapel in Westminster Abbey, and St. George's Chapel, Windsor. In 1826 he exhibited (for the first time), in Suffolk Street ‘A View of the Naves of Westminster Abbey.' Chase was elected a member of the New Society of Painters in Water-colours (now the Royal Institute, Piccadilly) in 1835, and died at his residence, 113 Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square, on 8 Jan. 1879. His later works combined chiefly landscape and architecture, such as terraced gardens, ruined abbeys, castles, manorhouses, and churches. He frequently exhibited views of Haddon Hall, which had a special charm for him. His drawings were generally of rather small dimensions. The following works by him were hung in the Institute: in 1872, ‘Capulet's Balcony, Verona,' and ‘Lichfield, Evening;’ ‘Studio of Leonardo da Vinci at Fontainebleau,’ in 1873; ‘Lichfield Cathedral from the Minster Pool,’ ‘Porch of the Cathedral at Chartres, France,’ and ‘Ludlow Castle’ in 1878. Chase was the author of a work entitled ‘A Practical Treatise on Landscape Painting and Sketching from Nature in Water-colours,’ edited by the Rev. James Harris, M.A., London, 1861; 8vo.

[Ottley’s Dictionary of Recent and Living Painters and Engravers, 1868; Athenæum, 1879, ii. 96.]

L. F.