Thomas Grieve (painter)

Grieve, son of John Henderson Grieve, theatrical scene-painter (1770–1845), was born at Lambeth, London, 11 June 1799, and was a member of a family long associated with Covent Garden as the chief artists employed in the adornment of the dramas, spectacles, and pantomimes brought out under the management of the Kembles and Laporte.

When Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews became lessees of Covent Garden Theatre in 1839, Thomas Grieve was chosen as the principal scenic artist, and he painted the effective panoramas introduced into their Christmas pantomimes.

The building was specifically designed with a winch so the large theatrical backdrops could be worked on.

It is the oldest surviving purpose built scene painting space designed outside of a theatre.

In the brilliancy of his style, the appearance of reality, and the artistic beauty of his landscape compositions, he has seldom been excelled.