Edward Villiers Rippingille (about 1789-1859) '... he is a sour-tempered and unpolished being with little religion and little regard for anyone. He keeps no friends and his politics are radical in the extreme, but he don't want for talent in painting'. (George Cumberland) Like Danby, Edward Villiers Rippingille led a chaotic life and yet he seems to have been able to steer a steadier path, avoiding some of the difficulties which beset his friend. He was born in King's Lynn, the son of a farmer, and worked as an artist in London before coming to Bristol in about 1817. He learnt much from Bird whose influence can be seen in genre paintings such as The Recruiting Party, 1822, which make serious social comment. Rippingille was a member of the sketching group and was at the hub of the Bristol art scene. He helped organise a couple of exhibitions at the Bristol Institution, gave a series of lectures there, and was one of the few to receive its patronage. His best work dates from his Bristol years. He was an enthusiastic guitarist, and a writer, and his various interests distracted him from painting. By 1832 he had had three wives and at least nine children, and worked as a portrait painter to provide an income. He moved to London in 1832, travelled in Europe, and then lived in Italy for a few years. This resulted in many Italian subjects in his paintings. He continued to write, setting up his own short-lived magazine in 1843, The Artist's and Amateur's Magazine, as well as contributing to the The Art Journal and Bentley's Magazine.