George Vicat Cole (buried 1893)

George Vicat Cole RA 1833 -1933 

George was the son, of George Cole, a well known painter. George later became known as Vicat Cole when he was an established painter to distinguish himself from his father.

Vicat Cole married Cole, Mary Ann Chignell, Robert Chignell's sister.  

Mary and  Vicat's son, Rex Vicat Cole, also became a distinguished painter.

Vicat bought a barge called 'La Branche', named after his daughter Blanche. He painted the Thames from source to sea while working the barge. His amiable nature allowed him to get to know the local bargemen and to sketch their barges. Cole's numerous paintings of the Thames were not painted in geographical order because he liked to randomly choose locations as the fancy took him. 

In 1870, Cole became an associate of the Royal Academy and a full member in 1880. He earned his living from paintings and made many studies for each of his works of art, many of which which were reproduced as prints.

Mr. Walter Loughlin for the new Art Gallery recently opened at Ballarat, Victoria, Australia the valuable painting '"Day's Lock on the Thames" by Vicat Cole, R.A. in June 1890.

Robert later wrote a biography of Cole, covering all his well known paintings including 'Wargrave'.