Along with the names of John Crome and John Sell Cotman the name of Joseph Stannard (1797-1830) is the most important name in the triumvirate associated with the Norwich school of arists(1803-1833).
Joseph Stannard was a pupil of Robert Ladbrooke. His early talent was noted in the Norwich Mercury in August 1818 . He made connections with Norwich's Theatre Royale 1819-20 and his youthful work included a 'Scene in a Norwich ale-house' depicting all the well-known colourful characters who lived in the City. In 1819 Stannard exhibited in London and in 1821 he visited Holland. The following year he exhibited 'The Ferry. From a celebrated Picture of Berhem's in the Musee des Tableaux Amsterdam'. This visit to Holland contributed to a new oil technique and deepened his interest in marine subjects. In 1823 however Stannard was in a severe financial crisis which was temporarily alleviated by the patronage of the Norwich manufacturer and entrepeneur John Harvey who commissioned him to paint what is Stannard's masterwork, 'Thorpe Water frolic-afternoon'. This canvas was first
exhibited in 1825 . The 'Thorpe Water Frolic-afternoon' depicts a civic regatta organised by John Harvey attempting to promote Norwich as an international port.
Stannard was an excellent oarsman and also a skilled ice-skater. His portrait was painted by Beechey . In 1826 he married, however he suffered from ill-health for much of the last years of his life. Friends and relatives rallied to support him to recouperate his health at the sea-side resort of Yarmouth where he painted 'Yarmouth Beach and Jetty'. Joseph Stannard died in 1830 aged 33. He is mostly associated with beach and marine scenes. Major works, in particular the 'Thorpe Water Frolic' are exhibited in Norwich Castle Museum.
A memorial stone to Joseph Stannard and his wife, Emily can be viewed at the Church of Saint John Maddermarket, Norwich.