J.S. Gresley

James Stephen Gresley, the grandfather of the Gresley family of painters, was born in 1829 in Derbyshire, England. In 1850, at the age of 21, Gresley enrolled in drawing classes at the Nottingham Mechanic’s Institute. His talent became apparent by 1853, as he was appointed assistant master at the Derby School of Art. He went on to exhibit works at the New Society of Artists, the Watercolour Society, and various local galleries. Gresley typically painted landscape scenes of Derbyshire, however, he also painted scenes of Yorkshire following his move further north later on in his life. Gresley painted works both in oils and watercolors. His earlier works are signed fluidly, however, due to poor eyesight near the end of his life, later works were printed simply “J.S. GRESLEY”. The artist died in 1908. Gresley’s son Frank followed in his father’s footsteps and became a landscape painter. In turn, Gresley’s grandsons were also inspired to paint landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, and commissioned ceramic pieces.