John Wycliffe Lowes Forster 1850-1938
Born in Norval, this internationally renowned artist attended Brampton Grammar School before apprenticing to Toronto painter John W. Bridgman, with whom he later formed a partnership. After studying in Paris, France from 1879 to 1883, he returned to Toronto, becoming a member of the Ontario Society of Artists and of the Royal Canadian Academy. Throughout his career, J.W.L. Forster painted over 500 portraits and historical tableaux of leading citizens and political, religious, business and historical figures from Canada and elsewhere. Upon his death, Forster bequeathed his collection and funds to establish his lifelong dream, a portrait gallery of historic and eminent Canadians. He is buried here in Brampton Cemetery.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Ontario Plaques. Full page here.