George Romney (1734 – 1802)

• Was an English portrait painter.
• Romney was raised in a cottage named High Cocken in modern-day Barrow-in-Furness.
• He appears to have been an indifferent student and was withdrawn at the age of 11 and apprenticed to his father's business instead. 

• He proved to have a natural ability for drawing and making things from wood – including violins.

• His studies began in earnest in 1755, when he went to Kendal, at the age of 21, for a 4-year apprenticeship with local artist Christopher Steele.

• In October 1756, Romney married Mary Abbot, but the couple were immediately separated when he was called away to York on business by his employer.

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