Girtin

His first visit was made a year after Thomas Girtin had toured the area, and was probably made at his friend and rival's suggestion.

The early method prevailed for a long time, as may be seen in the historic collection of water-colour paintings at South Kensington, but gradually the art developed, better pigments were used, and, as early as 1790, a marked improvement accrued, which led to the triumphs of Girtin and Turner, and the more brilliant examples of later days.

Girtin loved to depict scenes of gloom and grandeur, such as the melancholy Cumberland hills, and the sterner scenery of Scotland, whilst Turner, his friend and fellow-worker at Dr. Monro's house, depicted light, even when treating similar subjects to those which his friend affected.

Girtin spent a great deal of valuable time in painting a panorama of London, which was much admired.

He painted landscapes in the style of Girtin, but more chiefly architecture and marine pieces.