View of Highgate from Hampstead Heath

This view was captured by John Constable in 1834 towards the end of his career.

John was the son of a wealthy corn merchant in Suffolk who owned Flatford Mill and Dedham Mill, both later famous paintings by Constable.

He was under pressure to run his father's corn business, but at 23, he told his father that he wanted to become a professional artist.

He entered the Royal Academy schools of art and by 1803, aged 27, he was exhibited there. Although he had already set his mind on being a landscape painter, Constable painted portraits of wealthy patrons to get enough money to live in the early years.

It wasn't until 1819 that he sold his first important work, The White Horse, and became an Associate at The Royal Academy. He exhibited The Hay Wain there two years later.

His wife died of TB in 1828 aged only 41, and John looked after their seven children alone and only ever wore black. Only one had children of their own.

He's buried in the St John-At-Hampstead Church next to his wife.