An exquisitely painted still life of roses and fruit by Edward Ladell. Pink and yellow rose blooms are depicted with black and white grapes and a pear on a marble topped table. Behind them, a basket of fruit containing plums and a nectarine can also be seen.

Edward Ladell was born in Hasketon, Suffolk on 12 April, 1821 the son of Christmas Ladell a coachbuilder and his wife Mary Birch. He was a self-taught artist and initially worked in his father’s business in Colchester as an engraver. He is also believed to have worked as a pattern designer for a Flemish textile company in Colchester.

In 1848 he married Julianna Roofe and they spent their married life living at East Hill in Colchester. During his spare time he began producing still life paintings in the Dutch traditions and in 1856 made his debut at the Royal Academy with a ‘Study from Nature’. He also exhibited at the British Institute from 1857 and the Royal Society of British Artists from 1858.

Ladell’s exposure at the London galleries began earning him commissions and by 1861, he had become a full time artist. He was highly successful in his lifetime, earning many commissions and commanding high prices for his work. He became one of the best known still life painters of his generation.

During the late 1860’s, after the death of his first wife and child, he began teaching art. One of his pupils was Ellen Maria Levett who he later married in 1878 and together they had a son. His wife Ellen Ladell (1853-1912) became a successful artist in her own right and their subject matter and style share some similarities. The couple moved to Exeter, Devon where they set up a studio in St Sidwells. He continued to exhibit at the Royal Academy as well as at the provincial galleries in the South West. He died in on November 9, 1886 and was buried at Exeter Higher Cemetery.

Examples of his works can be found at the Colchester Museum, Croydon Museum, Reading Museum, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Rochdale Museum, Rye Art Gallery and Sheffield Museum.