There were five Devis family artists: Arthur Devis ([1711]-1787), his half-brother Anthony Devis, (1729-1816), the two sons of Arthur, Thomas Anthony Devis (1757-1810), and Arthur William Devis (1762-1822), and Arthur Devis' son-in-law Robert Marris (1750-1827). Arthur Devis was a pupil of Peter Tillemans. He exhibited twenty paintings at the Free Society of Artists, largely portraits, 1762-1780, (he specialised in portraits of landed families), and also restored Sir James Thornhill's paintings in the hall at Greenwich. Anthony Devis produced largely landscapes. His original work provided material for some of the engravings used by Wedgwood to decorate Catherine the Great's 'Frog Service'. Little is known of Thomas Anthony Devis, and almost none of his work can be identified. Arthur William Devis was appointed draughtsman on the Antelope, in about 1783, and was shipwrecked. He travelled onto Bengal, India, and painted portraits of English society and local people during his stay there, 1784-1795. On his return to England in 1795, he continued his work, including 'The Death of Nelson', 1805 (at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich). He exhibited sixty-five pictures at the Royal Academy during his professional career between 1779-1821. Robert Marris married Arthur Devis' daughter Frances. His work is not well known, but comprises largely landscape drawings. Whilst a young man he lived and travelled with Anthony Devis, who very probably influenced his work.
Sydney Herbert Pavire (1891-1971), was Art Director and Curator, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, Lancashire, 1926-1959. The collection of Devis family art held by the gallery almost certainly inspired Pavire's interest, leading him to produce a number of publications about them.
From the guide to the DEVIS Family of Artists (1711-1827), [1781]-1954, (Courtauld Institute of Art)
