Edward Robert Smythe, was born at Berners Street, Ipswich in 1810, son of James Smyth (1780-1863) and his wife Sarah Harriet née Skitter; James, who was an accountant with the bank Bacon, Cobbold, Durningham & Cobbold in Tavern Street, Ipswich added the final ‘e’ to his surname.

Edward Robert Smythe was one of the foremost painters of the Suffolk School. After early aspirations of a military life he became an artist, and worked in Ipswich alongside artists such as Robert Burrows, and his brother Thomas (1825-1906). In 1840 Smythe moved to Norwich, and is said to have worked with John Sell Cotman. He was undoubtedly influenced by several Norwich School artists, such as his friend Frederick Ladbrooke. His work attracted commissions from eminent patrons such as the Earl of Cardigan, and the Greene family.

Exhibited : Royal Academy 1850-1861, British Institution, Royal Society of British Artists