Giovanni Battista Cipriani, R.A. (Florence 1727-1785 London)

Born in Florence, Cipriani met the architect William Chambers and the sculptor Joseph Wilton in Rome, and travelled to England with them in 1755. He spent the rest of his career in London, initially working as a drawing and painting master at the Duke of Richmond's academy in Whitehall. He worked extensively decorating neo-classical interiors created by Robert Adam and William Chambers, including at Syon House and Somerset House. He went on to design George III's first state coach, and in 1768 became a foundation member of the Royal Academy, designing its diploma.