CROME, JOHN English landscape painter, founder and chief representative of the "Norwich school"—of ten called Old Crome, to distinguish him from his son—was born at Norwich, on Dec. 22, 1768. His father was a weaver and his early years were spent in work of the humblest kind. During his ap prenticeship to a house-painter he sometimes painted signboards, and devoted what leisure time he had to sketching from nature. Through the influence of a rich art-loving friend he was enabled to become a drawing-master ; and in this he was engaged through out his life. About 1790 he was introduced to Sir William Beechey, from whom he gathered additional knowledge and help in his art. In 1805 the Norwich Society of Artists took definite shape. Crome was its president and the largest contributor to its annual exhibi tions. Among his pupils were James Stark, Vincent, Thirtle and John Bernay (Barney) Crome (1794-1842), his son. J. S. Cot man, a greater artist than any of them, was also associated with him.
Crome first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1806. With very few exceptions Crome's subjects are taken from the familiar scenery of his native county. Fidelity to nature was his dominant aim. His most important works are : "Mousehold Heath, near Norwich," now in the National Gallery; "Clump of Trees, Haut bois Common"; "Oak at Poringland"; the "Willow"; "Coast Scene near Yarmouth"; "Bruges, on the Ostend River"; "Slate Quarries" ; the "Italian Boulevards"; and the "Fishmarket at Boulogne." He executed a good many etchings, and the great charm of these is in the beautiful and faithful representation of trees. He died at Norwich on April 22, 1821. His son, J. B. Crome, was his assistant in teaching, and his best pictures were in the same style.