Thomas Sidney Cooper was born in Canterbury, and apart from some time spent in Brussels, where he married, and London, he lived there all his life. He had work exhibited at the Royal Academy every year from 1833 to 1902, a remarkable and unique achievement, and was elected to the Royal Academy in 1867. Cooper is well-known for his paintings of cattle and sheep, and has earned the affectionate nickname ‘Cow Cooper’. His work can be found in many public collections in Britain, including the Tate Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

He was a philanthropist in Canterbury and founded a school of art there. One of his students was Mary Tourtel, who created and illustrated the Rupert Bear children’s books.

This composition captures the fearful emotions of the sheep. They huddle anxiously together, listening and watching as the threatening clouds sweep in. The strong light contrasts heighten the power and impact of the

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: South Shields Museum, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Thomas Sidney Cooper (1803-1902)
Date: circa 1875

Image Details
Date: 24 March 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Telephoto Camera 52mm ƒ/2.4
Focal Length: 52mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Shutter Speed: 1/50s
ISO: 320
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.