Dimmock, John

Introduction:

John Dimmock was a very artistic profilist with a particular eye for contemporary fashion and hairstyle. In particular, his creative use of coloured paint separates him from others working in the early 19th century. His work is both popular and distinctive.

Little is known about Dimmock’s background, except that he was resident at Melville Place, Trongate, Glasgow 1808-11, corroborated by contemporary trade labels. All existent silhouettes are painted on card, some of which use coloured paint for costume and background. Original frames have been found in papier-mache, Pontypool enamel and turned wood, though some pieces have been reframed. A variety of signatures and two trade labels have been recorded.

Dimmock was a very artistic profilist, who used fine brushwork and had clear ability for portraying contemporary costume and hair styles. Shirt-frills, cravats and waistcoat collars for the men and neck frills and head-dresses for women are particularly finely executed. His sleeve decoration and bust lines are also distinctive. Bust lines particularly are long and drooping with a ‘shadow line’ at the rear concavity, finished at the sides and beneath with more tiny lines. Most interesting is his portrait of Captain Shaw of Newhall, which uses gum Arabic and pale yellow paint to skilfully depict the Captain’s uniform. Dimmock is a popular profilist today, and the subject of much research.

Dimmock's death is recorded in 'The Scots Magazine ...', Volume 74, 1812, with the following entry: 'At Glasgow, Mr John Dimmock, minature painter, a young man in the prime of his life, sincerely regretted by a numerous circle of acquaintances.'

 

Gallery Silhouettes