Timeline

1803

Born on 26 September 1803 in Canterbury where he worked as a coach painter and scenic artist

1824

Entered the Royal Academy Schools

1827 - 1830

he worked in Brussels, spending some time in the studio of animalier Eugène Verboekhoven.

1831

Following the political disturbance that led to Belgian independence in 1830, Cooper returned to London in 1831 to embark on a very long and successful career as an animalier

1845 - 1867

he was elected Associate Royal Academician in 1845 and Royal Academician in 1867. Such was the standard of Cooper’s work that he was commissioned by Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort to paint pictures of the Royal herd of pedigree Jersey cows.

1902

Cooper was, like many other artists of the time, a tremendously hard worker, and despite his early struggles ultimately became financially very successful. He died in Canterbury on 7th February 1902.