Edward Haytley

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Edward Haytley (fl 1740 - 1761) was an English master painter of the 18th century.

He is not as widely known as many of his contemporaries, but nonetheless produced some notable pieces. Two of his works are shown at right, as examples of "the conversation piece," which was a form popular with the landed gentry of mid-18th century England. It capture scenes in the everyday life of the actual people (often families) that commissioned the work. Because the scenes tended to depict them interacting with family and friends, they were often literally shown in conversation, hence the name. The conversation piece therefore tends to reveal much about the social status of the subjects as revealed by the setting, landscapes, and clothing.

In the two paintings shown to the right, the Brockman family estate in Kent, Beachborough, is central. It is a highly idealized setting. The landscaping, people, and animals are placed picturesquely in an atmosphere of serenity. The English attitude towards garden design is evident, with a highly manicured landscape on which the owners have made a decided impact. There are allusions to antiquity.

Both views include members of the Brockman family, friends, and neighbours. This may include Susanna Highmore, daughter of the portrait painter Joseph Highmore. She is thought to be the figure holding a fishing pole in the pair furthest in the middle ground. The English Channel and the French coastline can be seen in the vista with the temple, no doubt a prized view.

Very little is known about Haytley and very few of his paintings survive.