Francis Hayman RA (1708 – 2 February 1776) was an English painter and illustrator who became one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in 1768, and later its first librarian.

A Founder Member of the Royal Academy, Francis Hayman was a skilled painter who taught generations of young artists and also served as the Royal Academy’s first Librarian. Hayman was born in 1707/8 in Exeter and initially studied with the portrait painter Thomas Hudson, who later also taught, Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA.

He was the most versatile British painter of his period, his work including subjects from literature and the theatre (notably Shakespeare), scenes of rural folklore, and portraits (his conversation pieces anticipated those of Gainsborough, who early in his career probably worked with him).

Nov 24, 2024 · Painter and illustrator.--------------------He is recognised as one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in 1768 and its first librarian. His work significantly influenced the development of English art in the 18th century, particularly through his contributions to portraiture, history painting, and book...

Francis Hayman (1708 – 2 February 1776) was an English painter and illustrator who became one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in 1768, and later its first librarian.

Francis Hayman was possibly born in Exeter, around 1708 and died in London, February 3, 1776. Hayman is best known for his role in establishing the popularity of small-scale group portraits known as "conversation pieces."

Francis Hayman, R.A. Engravings from the works of Sir Joshua Reynolds | Museum number 1915,0508.413 |

A versatile artist influenced by the French Rococo style, he achieved some note during the 1740s through decorative paintings executed for the supper boxes at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in London....

Francis Hayman, English illustrator and painter, probably first studied with Gainsborough. He eventually became one of England’s most flexible artists, painting literature and theater subjects, folklore scenes, and portraits. He was also deemed the …

Hayman was the painter of numerous conversation pieces, theatrical scenes and history paintings. He was especially famous for decorative scenes, especially those for Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in the 1740s.