Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Plimer, Andrew
PLIMER, ANDREW (1763–1837), miniature painter, was born at Bridgwater, Somerset, in 1763. He practised in London, residing until 1807 in Golden Square, and was an exhibitor at the Royal Academy from 1786 to 1810, and once more in 1819. Though he never obtained the vogue of his contemporaries Richard Cosway [q. v.] and Maria Cosway [q. v.], Plimer was well patronised, and his miniatures are of the finest quality, admirable both in drawing and colour. They are now much sought for by collectors, and command large prices. Plimer's best-known work is the beautiful group of the three daughters of Sir John Rushout, recently in the collection of Mr. Edward Joseph, and now (1895) the property of Mr. Frank Woodroffe. It has been well engraved by E. Stodart. His portraits of Sir John Sinclair [q. v.] and Colonel Kemeys-Tynte have also been engraved. Two portraits by him of the Right Hon. William Windham are in the South Kensington Museum. Plimer died at Brighton on 29 Jan. 1837.
Nathaniel Plimer (1751–1822), elder brother of Andrew, born at Wellington, Somerset, also practised miniature-painting; but his work is inferior to that of his brother. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1787 to 1815, and died in 1822.
[Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; Propert's Hist. of Miniature Painting; Gent. Mag. 1837, pt. i. p. 334; Royal Academy Catalogues.]