Alfred de Breanski

ALFRED DE BREANSKI SNR, RBA

London 1852 - 1928 Dartford

Alfred de Breanski was a distinguished landscapist who became famous for his resplendent views of Wales, the Scottish Highlands and the Thames. Often bathed in a flood of golden light, these landscapes usually feature water and cattle or sheep on grassy banks; sometimes a solitary figure is seen in the distance.

Born in London, Alfred was the eldest son of Leopold Breanski; his younger brother and sister, Gustave and Julie, were also painters.  He made his début at the Royal Academy in 1872, where he exhibited until 1918.  He also exhibited at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, and the Royal Cambrian Academy.  Amongst his patrons were Sir James Lemon, JP, and the Bishop of Petersborough, who purchased his first picture exhibited at the Royal Academy entitled "Evening: Softly falls the even light".

In 1873, Breanski married Annie Roberts, a talented Welsh artist whom he met during his frequent painting trips to Wales.  They had seven children, two of which, Alfred Fontville and Arthur, were both to become painters.  For much of his life Breanski lived in Greenwich, Lewisham and Cookham, and in 1880 he became a Freeman of the City of London.

The work of Alfred de Breanski is represented in several museums including the Southampton Art Gallery and the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne.