Richard Stirzaker

Draftsman, Artist, Drawing Master (b.1797, d.1833)

Mentioned in "Kirkbie-Kendal, Fragments collected relating to it's ancient Streets and Yards; Church and Castle; Houses and Inns", John F Curwen, 1901

"Before passing on, I would wish to say a word or two concerning Richard Stirzaker, to whom we owe so much for the faithfulness of his old Kendal paintings. He was born at Lancaster in 1797. When twenty years of age he came to Kendal, and for some time held a position in the offices of George Webster, architect. As this sedentary occupation did not suit his feeble health, he left to open a drawing school in his house at Kirkland, and also became the drawing master at the Friends' School. His pencil and brush were ever busy, and it was during this period - say, 1820 to 1828 - that he painted most of his best-known Kendal pictures. Subsequently he removed to Manchester, and soon after died at the early age of 36 years. Amongst his best known pictures are:-

'Lowther's Entry into Kendal (1820)'

'King's Arms Hotel (1823).'

'Interior of the Parish Church. (Two views)

'The Conflagration of Dockwray Mills (1824).'

'Underley Hall.' (Two views.)

'Old SHambles (1825).' "