In the 1830s, his work came to the notice of Thomas Trubshaw, a local architect, who had many contacts in artistic and antiquarian circles. Trubshaw commissioned work from the young artist, introducing him to various patrons and taking him to London in 1836. Thomas traveled almost everywhere by foot and trips outside Staffordshire were rare. His most extensive tour was in 1838, when he traveled around England, Ireland and Scotland. Thomas drew and sketched wherever he traveled. He would make small pencil or pen sketches on the spot, often on scraps of re-used paper. He would then work them up into pen and wash drawings, or less often, watercolours and oils.

Thanks to the interest of Trubshaw, Thomas exhibited work at the Royal Academy and other London galleries as well as building up an impressive list of patrons which included the family of Thomas William Anson, 1st Earl of Lichfield, his sisters, Lady Rosebery and Lady Waterpark, and their mother, the dowager Lady Anson. Another client was Edward John Littleton, 1st Baron Hatherton. Hatherton was introduced to Wood in 1842 by the local antiquary and Military Knight of Windsor, Thomas Fernyhough, who commented, ‘Mr Wood is a little irregular in his habits, I am not anxious to bring him in your Lordship’s presence - no more than may be necessary - but his genius is surprising’.

By far the most generous patron was William Salt, who was collecting material for a history of Staffordshire. Salt commissioned artists to draw pictures of local scenery and buildings and sent Thomas into the Staffordshire countryside to record the area for what is now known as the ‘Staffordshire Views’.

When Salt died his entire Staffordshire collection was catalogued for sale by Sotheby’s, but eventually, with the assistance of his nephew, Thomas Salt MP, it was rescued and housed in the newly established William Salt Library.

Thomas Peploe Wood died of tuberculosis a few months after his 28th birthday. His obituary in the Staffordshire Advertiser for 12 April 1845 reads: “Died: At Little Haywood, on Friday the 4th instant, after a long and painful illness borne with exemplary fortitude and resignation, Mr Thomas Peploe Wood, artist, aged 28 years.”

Click here to download T. P. Wood Timeline

Researched by Randle Knight