Collection: Frederic William Burton

Romantic Narrative & Medieval Imagination

Museum-quality reproductions celebrating the work of Frederic William Burton (1816–1900), one of Ireland’s most revered 19th-century painters and a master of romantic historical narrative. Best known for his exquisite watercolours and literary sensitivity, Burton’s work is defined by emotional restraint, refined detail, and timeless storytelling.

Cultural Narrative

Born in County Clare and educated in Dublin, Frederic William Burton developed an early fascination with medieval history and literature, drawing inspiration from poetry, legend, and chivalric themes. His delicate handling of watercolour allowed him to convey intimacy and psychological depth with extraordinary subtlety.

His most celebrated work, The Meeting on the Turret Stairs (1864), depicts a fleeting moment of forbidden love and remains one of the most beloved paintings in Irish art history. Later appointed Director of the National Gallery in London, Burton played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s collection, securing his legacy as both artist and cultural steward.

Buying Reassurance

Each artwork in the Frederic William Burton Collection is reproduced as a museum-quality giclée print, created for long-term enjoyment and conservation-grade display.