James Grellier Forbes
Epithet: Artist (1831-1857)
Record type: Biographies
Biography: Born in Douglas in 1831, he was the youngest brother of Sir Edward Forbes, the accomplished naturalist. He was also the godson of James Grellier, editor of the Manx Sun, whose interest in Forbes' career is reflected in some issues of the paper. In December 1948 he travelled to London, where he resided at 2 Russell Place, Fitzroy Square and entered as a student into the Royal Academy School of Art, with at least six works being hung in Royal Academy exhibitions. He obtained a government appointment as an artist of the Ordinance Geological Survey.
He suffered from chronic ill health which hindered his studies, but despite this he exhibited work of historical subjects between 1853-57 in various galleries. His works included landscapes, portraits and watercolour drawings of the Isle of Man and South Wales. He died on the 13th October 1857 at the young age of 26 and is buried at Kirk Braddan.
Occupation / profession: Artist
Gender: Male
Date of birth: 1831
Date of death: 1857