[1][3][4] A student of the University of Göttingen, he found success co-founding and operating a series of dye and bleach works—first with Roger Smith in Pendleton until 1813 (where Frederick was likely born), and then with George Horrocks in New Islington next to the docks at the confluence of the Ashton and Rochdale Canals, where several streets of houses were constructed for his workers (and where his name survives today on Tavery Close).

Swain's father died when he was six, and Charles took in his sister and nephew, raising the boy as if he was his own son and later employing him as a bookkeeper.

[11] He died three years later; Swain wrote the inscription for his headstone: "If learning, talent, virtue claim a tear / Long will thy worth be mourned and honoured here.

"[1][12] The influence of his father and cousin meant Frederick Tavaré grew up surrounded by creative figures.

[19][21] When life drawing classes were eliminated by the Manchester School of Design shortly after its foundation in 1838, Tavaré was one of a group of local artists—which also included Robert Crozier, Thomas Letherbrow, and Warwick Brookes—who founded the United Society of Manchester Artists in protest.

[32][33][34] Tavaré died on 17 June 1868 at the age of 58, and was buried at St. Luke's Church in Cheetham alongside his parents.