John Surtees (1819-1915)

Landscape, portrait and figure painter in oil and watercolour. Born Ebchester his earliest ambition was to become an engraver. A career in engineering was offered to him, however, and accepting it he moved to Newcastle, where he was apprentice to              R Stephenson & C0. On settling in the town he enrolled in the evening classes of the Northumberland Institution for the promotion of Fine Arts.

He became a professional artist in 1845 and the following year showed his first work in London. He went on to exhibit at the Royal Academy and Suffolk Street Gallery, London.

He continued to paint for the next forty years and exhibited widely. Two examples of his work were purchased by the Royal Academician, David Roberts, at a Royal Academy preview.

He was married to Elizabeth Surtees(nee Royal) also a talented artist.