Wainewright, Thomas Griffiths (1794-1847), was a writer and artist in early colonial days in Australia. He is known in particular for his delicate water colors, primarily portraits. Wainewright was born in London and educated in Greenwich. He began studying painting at the age of 19, and he exhibited six paintings at the Royal Academy between 1821 and 1825. He became a friend of the English essayist Charles Lamb and wrote for the London Magazine under various pen names. In 1823, Wainewright published a collection of poems, Some Passages in the Life, etc. of Egomet Bonmot, Esq. In 1837, he was transported (sent as punishment) to Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) for forgery. He was suspected of committing several murders by poisoning, but his guilt was never proved. He died on Aug. 17, 1847.
