Marcus Stone

Biography

Son of the painter Frank Stone, Marcus Stone grew up in the company of some remarkable people. Most important of these was close friend and guiding force, Charles Dickens.

Impressed by a sketch of Poor Jo from Bleak House Dickens encouraged Stone to become an illustrator, writing to Longman on his behalf. Stone produced illustrations for Little Dorrit and Our Mutual Friends and the magazines London Society, Cornhill and The Sunday Magazine. Not satisfied with this he began working as a painter with great success. His first painting was displayed by the Royal Academy and his works became extremely popular. He specialised in what The Times called “pictorial story telling”, painting historical, literary and domestic scenes before progressing to his sentimental pictures. Elected as Royal Academician in 1887 he continued as an active member throughout his life.

Stone lived on Melbury Road for many years, a road made famous for its large number of “Art Palaces”, homes to artists like Thornycroft, Holman-Hunt and Fildes. As well as being neighbours with Toynbee Hall the house also overlooked the gardens of Leighton House. He died in his home in 1921 and his funeral was held at St Mary Abbots Church in Kensington.