The Feathered Turban

Charles Shirreff (1749-1829) was the youngest son of a wealthy Scottish wine merchant. He went deaf at the age of three but was subsequently taught sign language and how to speak. Accompanied by his father he travelled to London in 1768 where he entered the Royal Academy Schools winning a silver medal for drawing. Shirreff went on to become a successful miniaturist and in 1778 obtained permission to travel to India. This ambition was not fulfilled though until 1797 by which time his father had died so he travelled alone. India suited him and his studio prospered but he decided to return to England in 1809 where he married and continued to paint and exhibit.