James Strutt
Epithet: Artist (1809-1835)
Record type: Biographies
Biography: James Strutt was a talented landscape painter who died tragically young. He was highly regarded in his own lifetime, and might have gone on to become one of the leading artists of the 19th century had he lived.
Little is known about his background or how he came to reside on the Isle of Man, but it is believed he was born in America, possibly Philadelphia. His surviving artworks all feature Manx scenes, and he certainly lived and exhibited here as an adult.
His art was highly regarded on the Isle of Man, and Sir William Hillary was a patron and supporter of his work. In 1833 there was a major exhibition of his work at Hillary’s home in Douglas. At this exhibition all of his paintings were sold, which funded his return to America on the grounds of ill health. The Manx newspapers at the time reported on the exhibition stating “The Island never had, and probably, will never again, enjoy the advantage of such an artist, and one who has supplied so many beautiful pictures of her towns, her sea views, and castellated remains. Every family, who possess any taste for the fine arts, should take advantage of this sale”. Manx Sun, 2 July 1833.
Strutt did move back to Philadelphia in 1833, but must have returned to the Isle of Man shortly after. It is recorded that he died to the Isle of Man on 18 December 1835, in a property on James Street in Douglas.
Occupation / profession: Artist
Gender: Male
Date of birth: 1809
Place of birth: Philadelphia (?), North America
Date of death: 18 December 1835
Place of death: Douglas, Isle of Man