 He was educated at "Brompton Grammar School" and, after the death of his father when he was 10 years old, received art training from William Charles Ross, the miniature painter - who had been friend of his father.In 1848 he went to James Mathews Leigh's art school in Soho.In 1850 he exhibited a picture at the Royal Academy and in 1849 entered the Academy schools, winning the first-class medal for life drawing.