We all know that Northumberland is home to some
incredibly talented people, but this isn’t a recent development. The painter
and engraver John Martin was born in Haydon Bridge in 1789, before he became an
apprentice coachbuilder in Newcastle and then moved onto London in 1806.
Martin’s career as a painter in oils brought him huge
popularity with the public, with most of his income coming from selling prints
and engravings of his paintings. Some of his most famous works include ‘The
Fall of Babylon’ in 1819 and ‘Belshazzar’s Feast’ in 1821, and he exhibited
works at the Royal Academy and at the British Institution. Martin was
principally known for religious paintings and vast landscapes and cityscapes
with minute figures. He also achieved fame and success overseas- he was made a
member of the Belgian Academy and was created a Knight of the Order of Leopold.
Martin’s influence is still felt in Haydon Bridge
today- John Martin Street is named in his honour. I find it fascinating to
learn about famous Northumbrians of the past- let me know if your town has any
famous sons!
