Sir Edward John Poynter 1836 - 1919

    The reverse of the Ashantee medal was designed by Sir Edward John Poynter, the famous British neo-classical painter, designer, draughtsman and art administrator. Poynter was born Paris in 1836, the son of the architect Ambrose Poynter. He Studied in London, Rome and Paris.  His first breakthrough was the acclaimed painting of a Roman sentry steadfast at his post during the destruction of Pompeii " Faithful unto Death" (1865),  and soon became well known for his historical Paintings such as "Israel in Egypt" (1867)  and "Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon" (1890).
  Poynter became first Slade Professor from 1871 to 1875, Principal of the National Art Training School from 1875 to 1881, Director of the National Gallery from 1894 to 1904 and Royal Academician in 1876. On the death of Sir John Millais in 1896, Poynter was elected President of the Royal Academy from 1896 and received a knighthood. He was made a baronet in 1902.

   Poynter married Agnes Macdonald - one of four sisters who married quite famous individuals; Georgiana married Edward Burne-Jones, (pre-Raphaelite artist).  Louisa married Alfred Baldwin (Industrialist and father of Stanley Baldwin, prime minister from 1923-1929 & 1935-1937.)  and Alice married John Lockwood Kipling, the issue of which was Rudyard Kipling.

   Sir Edward Poynter died in London in 1919 aged 83.