John Faed

Faed began painting miniatures of local people at age nine, and by age 11, his exceptional drawing skills were already being praised in local newspapers, showing precocious talent.¹

He moved to Edinburgh in 1840 and exhibited his first work at the Royal Scottish Academy the following year, establishing his early career as a miniature painter.¹

His work found a following in the United States; notably, his successful painting 'Shakespeare and his Friends at the Mermaid Tavern' was sold to an American in 1851.¹

In 1859, he helped Joseph Noel Paton raise the 1st Edinburgh Artillery Volunteer Corps from among local artists and served as its lieutenant, showing his active social engagement.¹

His portrait of George Washington was later engraved and used to illustrate the Magazine of American History in 1880, contributing to the historical imagery of Washington in the US.¹

In his later years, he lived in Gatehouse of Fleet and contributed to community projects like the Clock Tower and Town Hall, playing a significant role in local development.¹

He produced over 278 known works, with 241 exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy. He continued to exhibit until 1895, remaining at the forefront of the art world for decades.¹

After falling ill in 1902, he died at age 83 while staying with his sister Susan. He is buried in the Girthon parish churchyard alongside his wife Jane and his sister.¹