The Life and Art of Thomas B. Lawson
Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Thomas B. Lawson began his professional life in the dry goods industry, working as a clerk before opening his own store at the age of 21. Driven by a passion for painting, he taught himself the craft by copying the works of other artists. His formal training began at the National Academy of Design in New York City, where he studied drawing for six months, followed by an additional six months of training in Philadelphia. Upon returning to Newburyport, he established his own studio and spent the following decade working as a portrait painter.
In 1842, Lawson moved his family to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he became a prominent figure in the local art scene. His talent for capturing likenesses earned him commissions from social elites and notable figures. One of his most significant achievements was painting Daniel Webster while the latter served as acting Secretary of State in Washington, D.C. The likeness was so striking that Webster famously remarked, "That is the face I shave."
Legacy and Later Works
During the American Civil War, Lawson’s focus shifted toward still life paintings, specifically depicting fruits and grapes. He produced approximately 30 still life works during this period. Beyond his personal canvas, he was a dedicated patron of the arts and community development. He was instrumental in the creation of the Lowell Art Association, serving as its founder and first president, an organization responsible for the preservation of the Whistler House Museum of Art. He also contributed to the Newburyport Public Library through the donation of portraits.
His notable works include:
