Frederick Sandys received his initial training from his father, a minor Norwich artist. Encouraged by Rev. James Bulwer (1820-1899), a pupil and patron of John Sell Cotman (1782-1842), he attended the Norwich School of Design from 1846. When he arrived in London five years later, he was already a skilled illustrator. Through a family connection, Sandys was introduced to George Richmond (1809-1896)