Edward M. Bannister: Mixed Experience History Month

Edward M. Bannister (1828-1901) was a prominent artist best known for his landscape paintings.  Bannister's father was black (from Barbados); his mother was of Scottish descent.  Bannister's artistic talent was recognized early in his childhood.  However, he had to grow up fast.  His father had died when Bannister was six.  When his mother died, he was in his early adolescence.  He became a live-in servant to a wealthy family.  In late adolescence, Bannister began working on fishing boats which allowed him frequent visits to Boston and New York where he visited libraries and museums to study his craft.  Without formal training, Bannister started painting with his wife's encouragement.  In 1876 in Philadelphia, he won one of the highest art prizes awarded at the Centennial Exposition.  Bannister died in 1901.