John Deffett Francis was a Swansea artist, printmaker and draughtsman who became renowned for his generous donations of art and books to public institutions. From 1876 he concentrated on collecting C18 and C19 works on paper. His collection, including a large number of drawings by Wilson, formed the nucleus of Swansea's Art Gallery, alongside that of Richard Glynn Vivian. The catalogue of 1913 included 2,500 prints as well as 8,000 books. He also presented much material to the British Museum, including a large number of Wilson drawings.
Francis devoted himself to painting, particularly portraiture, and eventually went to London where he became acquainted with Dickens, Thackeray and Ruskin and was one of the founders of the Savage Club. He painted portraits of Queen Victoria, Sir Robert Peel and other notables, of which several were engraved. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1846 and at other exhibitions between 1837 and 1860.
Collector's marks: Lugt 945; 1444-1447
