W. Cosmo (William Cosmo) Monkhouse

Born in London on 18 March 1840, William Cosmo Monkhouse became known as a British poet and critic. He was educated at King's College School and later worked for many years in banking, including service connected with the Bank of Bengal in India, before turning more fully toward literary and critical work.

Monkhouse built his reputation through both poetry and art writing. He wrote books on artists including Turner and Reynolds, contributed criticism to major periodicals, and was valued for making art approachable to general readers. Alongside his criticism, he also published poems and literary essays, showing the same clear, thoughtful style.

He died on 20 July 1901. Though not as widely remembered as some of the artists he wrote about, he remains an interesting Victorian figure because he brought together practical professional experience, literary talent, and a deep enthusiasm for painting.