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The Watson Family of Artists
Their Story
William Watson
Claughton Road, Birkenhead
wirralmemories.co.uk
William Watson was born 1807 in Chelsea, London. His father was Charles Watson occupation gentleman and was married to Frances Clark born 1779. William had seven siblings Ann (died in infancy), Eliza, Sebbon Charles William, Valentine Clark (died in infancy), Ann, Caroline, Valentine Clark. William married Caroline Butcher sometime around 1834. William had 5 children with Caroline, Valentine, Charles, Frances, William and Robert. He spent some time around the St Leonards area of Hastings from 1835 to 1840 living at 3 Parade in Hastings where his first three children were born before moving to Hertford. He first appears in the 1841 census in Fore Street, Hertford with his wife Caroline and his children Valentine, Charles and
Frances his occupation is recorded as artist. William then moves with his family to Lewisham sometime between 1841 and 1838. He is living at the Gothic Cottages, North Row, Lewisham Village and his occupation is written in the 1851 census as artist portrait animal and landscape, ''inventor of mechanism'' (possibly Panoramas of the Moving Image: Mechanical Slides and Dissolving Views). He then spent some time in Brighton where Robert was born and his occupation is recorded as Artist animals and portrait. William then moves his family to
Bransford Road, Worcester where in the 1861 census he states his occupation as artist of animals landscape. He then appears in the 1871 census as a widower living with two lodgers his son William and his wife at Claughton Road, Birkenhead. William died 2 June 1871 at 12 Claughton Road, Birkenhead with the cause of death recorded as Syphilis.
3 Parade, Hastings
Charles Watson
Charles Clark Watson was William and Carolines first son born in 27 Sept 1837 in the district of St. Mary in the Castle, Hastings. He returned to his birthplace of Hastings from Lewisham sometime before 1861 where he was found on the census having joined the Royal Navy as an orderly on the vessel H. M. S. Algiers. Charles then appears in the Hastings workhouse as a pauper in 1871 where it states he is blind, possibly through a naval injury. In the 1881 census he is recorded as boarding with Charlotte Murray, widow, and her son at
Sources:
Dictionary of British Art – Volume IV Victorian Painters 1. Text. Christopher Wood. First Published 1995. ISBN 1 85149 171 6
1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, England Census
England & Wales, Death Index, 1837-1915
Thomas B Walker art collection Minneapolis Catalogue 1913
Extract from The Chicago Tribune, Sunday, November 7, 1897
Anderson Art Galleries art exhibition - By William Watson, the English animal painter, there is a group of Scotch sheep with long , fine wool, grazing in the Highlands. It suggests the work of Verbeckhoven, but is better painted than most of the Dutch painter's pictures.
9 Lorne Road, Birkenhead
5 Slatey Road, Birkenhead
HMS Algiers off Katcha River (Black Sea) 14 Nov 1854
The ship served in the Black Sea, near Sebastapol and was involved in the bombardment of the Kinburn forts during the Crimean War.
collections.rmg.co.uk
New Lane, Aughton, near Ormskirk, Lancashire close to where his brother Robert was living. His occupation is stated as being artist (painter). In the 1891 census he is living in Long Lane, Aughton where he is recorded as head of the household and Charlotte Murray is boarding with them. In the 1891 census his occupation is artist (painter) sculp and it is recorded that he has been blind for 30yrs. Charles died on the 7th January 1900 at 38 Wigan Road, Ormskirk the cause of death Neuritis Paresis exhaustion. Lydia Crompton was present who was a sweet shop keeper living at 62 Wigan Road.
Sources:
1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, England Census
England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, Death Index, 1837-1915
Lancashire, England, Church of England Deaths and Burials, 1813-1986
William Junior was the third child of William and Caroline born 1847 in Islington, London. William married Eleanor Davies 1871 in Birkenhead and both are found lodging with his father at Claughton Road, Birkenhead in the 1871 census, where his occupation is artist. Eleanor was born in Tudweiliog, Caernarvonshire, Wales her brother William Davies was a painter of animal landscapes. William exhibited Scotch Cattle, Rowardennan Ferry, Loch Lomond at the Royal Academy in 1872. William was residing at 11 West Seacombe Terrace, Seacombe, Wallasey where Caroline and William Robert Charles were born. In the 1881 census William and his family are residing at Station Road, Maghull and his occupation is recorded as artist. EIeanor's brother William is also residing with them. In the 1901 census William is living at Lorne Road, Birkenhead with his family Carrie, Walter, Ada M, Sidney A and Mable. William, Walter and Sydney's occupations are stated as sculp artist and each have their own account. Eleanors aunt and a domestic servant are also living in the household. In the 1911 census William is living at 5 Slatey Road, Birkenhead, with his wife, daughters Caroline, Ada, Mabel and son Arthur Sydney. Caroline, Arthur Sydney and William's occupations are recorded as painter (artist) William and each have their own accounts. William made a good living from his occupation living in the more affluent areas of Birkenhead and employing servants. William, Caroline and Arthur are recorded as having their own accounts. William died at Hillside, Capel Garmon, Llanrwst, on the 26 March 1921. William is the most successful of the Watson family and his paintings commanded higher prices in comparison with the other family members.
''William Watson - Regarded by many as the finest of all modern
sheep painters''
Thomas B Walker Art Collection Minneapolis Catalogue 1913
William Watson Junior
Isle of Man Examiner Saturday 04 September 1920
33 Marlborough Place,
Brighton
Robert William Watson was the fifth child of William and Caroline and was born at 33 Marlborough Place, Brighton in 1855. Robert married Alice Ashcroft Jan 1880 and they are living at Cottage Lane, Aughton near Ormskirk in the 1881 census with, daughter Gertrude, his mother-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law. His occupation is recorded as artist, cattle painter. Robert is at the same address in the 1891 census with his wife Alice and family. His occupation is artist, animal painter. In the 1901 census he has moved to Ash Cottage, Ballaugh, Isle of Man with his wife and two of his children, Florence and William Harold. His occupation is stated as artist, sculp. In the 1911 census he is at same address with his wife and a domestic servant and his occupation is recorded as painter, artist.
Robert's wife died suddenly in July 1913. The report in the local paper stated that ''Shortly after having written a letter to her daughter she went into the garden to meet her husband, when she suddenly collapsed.
Mr Watson heard his wife’s call and hurried to her assistance but she expired in a few brief moments. Dr Sugden was intercepted as he was passing through the village in his motor car,but on his arrival he pronounced life extinct, death being due to the rupture of a blood vessel in the stomach.'' His wife's death clearly came as a great shock as in his bereavement Robert decided to sell all his household effects and pictures, which included works by W. Sydney Cooper, James Ward RA., W. Weekes and James Mellor all relatively famous artists of romantic landscapes and animals amongst others. Robert died on the 31 Aug 1920 at the Ramsey Cottage Hospital and is reported in the Isle of Man Examiner as ‘’Death at Ramsey of Mr Robert Watson, a famous painter of Highland cattle’’. After Roberts death a case was brought in the High Court at Douglas objecting to the appointment of Mr Hawkins, the husband of Robert's daughter Beatrice, as the administrator of the estate. It is argued that the next of kin had not taken the slightest interest in of accepted any responsibility for the deceased while he was alive, but when he died they took the deepest interest in his affairs.
Robert William Watson
Sources:
Benezit Dictionary of Artists. Oxford University Press. 2010. ISBN 978-0199773787. (14 volumes)
Mallett’s Index of Artists. International Biographical. Daniel Trowbridge Mallet. Kingsmead Reprints. First Published 1935 reprinted 1976. SBN 901571768
Dictionary of British Art – Volume IV Victorian Painters 1. Text. Christopher Wood. First Published 1995. ISBN 1 85149 171 6
A Dictionary of British Animal Painters. Lieut. Colonel J. C. Wood. F. Lewis, Publishers, Ltd. First Published 1973. SBN 85317 019 3
1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911 England Census
England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index, 1837-1915
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition catalogue 1872
Benezit Dictionary of Artists. Oxford University Press. 2010. ISBN 978-0199773787. (14 volumes)
1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911 England Census
England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index, 1837-1915
Isle of Man, Burial Index, 1598-2003
Isle of Man Examiner Robert Watson sale of effects
William R C Watson's Headston and Grave.
The Friends of Rake Lane Cemetery
Caroline Ellen Watson
Caroline Ellen was the first child and daughter of William Junior and Eleanor Watson born 30 Oct 1871 in Seacombe, Cheshire. Caroline married Isaac Askew Wells in 25 Aug 1896 at Egremont, Cheshire and three years later her husband dies. Living with parents, recorded as widow in the 1901 census. Living with parents in the 1911 census occupation artist and has own account. Living with brother Walter at Rosslyne, Gwern-Y-Brenin, Oswestry, Shropshire in the 1939 register. Caroline also exhibited at the Royal Cambrian Academy in 1923.
Sources:
1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911 England Census
England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, Death Index, 1916-2007
1939 Register, England and Wales
William Robert Charles Watson
William is the second child of William Junior and Eleanor Watson born 3 July 1873 at 11 West Seacombe Terrace in Seacombe, Cheshire. William is boarding with John Keast quarryman and his family at 5 Churchtown, Cornwall in the 1901 census his occupation painter. William married Lucy Mary Hopps in Birkenhead in 1919. Lucy is the daughter of Alfred Chantrell Hopps, Petroleum Merchant of Poulton Hall, Poulton. Probate record shows William Robert Charles Watson of Oak Grove, Hurn Way, Christchurch, Hampshire was last seen alive on 30 Jan 1928 and his dead body was found 1 Feb 1928 on Princess Jetty, Liverpool. Administration Liverpool 12 May to Lucy Mary Watson widow. Effects £20. Cause of death recorded on the death certificate states drowning but how he got into the water the evidence is not sufficient to show. William was buried at Rake Lane Cemetery, Birkenhead on 06 Feb 1928 at 2.30. William painted in watercolour and oil and his paintings were mainly set in Cornwall.
Sources:
1881, 1901, England Census
England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, Death Index, 1916-2007
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966
Rosslyne, Gwern-Y-Brenin
Walter James Watson A.R.C.A.
Walter is the fourth child of William Junior and Eleanor Watson born 21 Aug 1877 in Somerville near Seacombe, Cheshire. Educated at Wallasay Grammer School and studied at the Wallasey School of Art and in London. Living with parents at Lorne Road, Birkenhead in the 1901 census his occupation artist. Boarding in Llanrwst, Denbighshire in the 1911 census occupation painter. Walter became an Associate member of the Royal Cambrian Academy of Arts in 1923 and exhibited from 1923 to 1937. He is living at at Hillside, Capel Garmon, Llanrwst, Denbighshire, Wales with Sydney before moving to live at Rosslyne, Gwern-Y-Brenin, Oswestry, Shropshire with his three sisters Caroline, Ada and Mabel in 1937. Walter, William and William R. C. exhibited at the gallery of Frost and Reed, Bristol in 1905. Walter enjoyed walking, golfing and caravanning.
Source:
Benezit Dictionary of Artists. Oxford University Press. 2010. ISBN 978-0199773787. (14 volumes)
Who's Who in Art Second edition 1929. Compiled by the art trade press and edited by Bernard Dolman
1881, 1901, 1911 England Census
England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, Death Index, 1916-2007
1939 Register, England and Wales
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966
The Wester Daily Press, Bristol, Tuesday, August 22nd 1905
Liscard Hall, Wallasey School of Art
historyofwallasey.co.uk
Arthur Sydney Watson R.C.A.
Arthur is the sixth child of William Junior and Eleanor Watson born on 19 February 1881 in Maghull, Lancashire. Arthur studied at the Wallasey School of Art and exhibited mainly at the RCamA. He exibited from 1919 to 1932 at the Royal Cambrian Academy where in 1923 was elected a member. Arthur is living with his parents at Lorne Road, Birkenhead in the 1901 census occupation Sculp artist, Painter. In the 1911 census he is living at 5 Slatey Road, Birkenhead with his parents William and Eleanor his occupation artist with own account. Arthur died 9 July 1931 at Hillside, Capel Garmon, Llanrwst, Denbighshire, Wales.
Hillside, Capel Garmon, Llanrwst
Sources:
Benezit Dictionary of Artists. Oxford University Press. 2010. ISBN 978-0199773787. (14 volumes)
1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911 England Census
England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
England & Wales, Death Index, 1916-2007
William Harold Watson
William Harold was the fourth child of Robert and Alice Watson born 1886 in Aughton, Ormskirk, Lancashire. William is living at Rose Cottage, Ballaugh, Isle of Man with parents occupation student of art in the1901 census . Listed in the UK, Outward Passenger Lists Departing Liverpool on 03 Aug 1912 aged 21 occupation painter. The destination was Sydney, Australia and the ships name was the Dorset. Died 29 Sep 1964 in Maughold, Ballaugh, Isle of Man. William signed his painting in red as did his father Robert.
Sources:
1881 England Census, 1901 Isle of Man Census.
England & Wales, BMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
UK, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960
UK, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960
Isle of Man, Burial Index, 1598-2003
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art Annual Exhibitions
Arthur Sydney Watson was a Associate member in 1921 and became a member in 1923 and was a members of the Academy Council, 1928. Walter became an Associate member of the Royal Cambrian Academy of Arts in 1923 where they both exhibited in the Annual Exhibitions. Caroline also exhibited in 1923. (rcaconwy.org/about/archive-documents)
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1919 Catalogue
The Victoria Room
135 A Winter's Eve, S. Watson Arthur, £63 0s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1920 Catalogue
The Wynne Room
66 Near the Close of a Winter's Day, S. Watson Arthur, £70 0s 0d
69 Looking across the Denbigh Moors, S. Watson Arthur, £70 0s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1921 Catalogue
The Banqueting Hall
3 On the Moors, near Ruthin, S. Watson Arthur, A.R.C.A. £30 0s 0d
9 Near Llyn Ogwen, S. Watson Arthur, A.N.C .A. £55 0s 0d
The Victoria Room
143 Everchanging Skies, S. Watson Arthur, A.R.C.A. £45 0s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1922 Catalogue
The Victoria Room
159 A Mountain Torrent, S. Watson Arthur, A.R.C.A.
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1923 Catalogue
The Banqueting Hall
12 The Lledr Valley, North Wales, Walter J Watson, A.R.C.A . £50 0s 0d
16 Highland Cattle, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £40 0s 0d
The Small Kitchen
27 Overlooking t h e Loch, Miss Cari E. Watson £22 10s 0d
The Wynne Room
105 An Old Lane, Bettws-y-Coed, Miss Cari E. Watson £22 10s 0d
The Victoria Room
222 Among the Hills, S. Watson Arthur, R .C.A. £21 0s 0d
236 Snowclad Pastures, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £50 0s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1924 Catalogue
The Small Kitchen
33 Mountain Mist, S . Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £18 0s 0d
The Victoria Room
209 Moorland near Ruthin, North Wales, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £10 0s 0d
The Housekeeper's Room
463 On the Llugwy, North Wales, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £10 0s 0d
470 Cattle on the Moor, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £18 0s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1925 Catalogue
The Banqueting Hall
9 The Valley of the Lledr, Walter J. Watson, A.R.C.A. £31 10s 0d
The Victoria Room
267 A Winter's Eve, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £30 0s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1926 Catalogue
The Victoria Room
216 Near Capel Garmon, North Wales, Walter J. Watson, A.R.C.A. £31 10s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1927 Catalogue
The Victoria Room
181 Mist in the Glen, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £10 0s 0d
184 On the Upper Conway, North Wales, Walter J. Watson, A.R.C.A. £31 10s 0d
213 Sheep Pastures, Walter J. Watson, A.R.C.A. £31 10s 0d
228 In the Highlands, S Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £30 0s 0d
245 An Old Cottage, North Wales, Walter J. Watson, A .R.C.A. £10 10s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1928 Catalogue
The Banqueting Hall
3 Moorland, near Ruthin, North Wales, S. Watson Arthur, R .C.A. £8 8s 0d
7 Near Pentrevoelas, North Wales, Walter J Watson, A.R.C.A. £10 10s 0d
9 An Old Cottage, near Bala, North Wales, Walter J Watson, A.R.C.A . £10 10s 0d
The Small Kitchen
43 Rough Pastures, North Wales, Walter J Watson, A .R .C.A. £10 10s 0d
The Victoria Room
188 Moorland, near Ruthin, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A . £10 10s 0d
218 On the Heath, S Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £6 6s 0d
224 The Mach no Valley, North Wales, Walter J Watson, A .R .C.A. £10 10s 0d
225 An Old Road in Cheshire, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £12 12s 0d
247 Near Capel Gannon, North Wales, Walter J Watson, A .R.C.A £10 10s 0d
252 On the Machno, North Wales, Walter J. Watson, A .R.C.A. £10 10s 0d
258 Garth Bridge, Capel Curig, North Wales, Walter J Watson, A .R.C.A. £15 15s 0d
277 A Cloudy Day on the Moor, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A £10 0s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1929 Catalogue
The Banqueting Hall
19 Moorland, near Bettws-y-Coed, North Wales, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A . £15 0s 0d
24 A Welsh Valley, Walter J. Watson, A.R.C.A. £10 10s 0d
26 Upland Pastures, Walter J. Watson, A.R.C.A. £15 15s 0d
58 Dolwyddelan Castle, Walter J. Watson, A.R.C.A. £10 10s 0d
The Victoria Room
195 In the Meadows, S . Watson Arthur, R .C.A . £10 0s 0d
197 Snow-clad Pastures, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £25 0s 0d
200 In the Marshes, S . Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £8 8s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1930 Catalogue
The Victoria Room
201 A Welsh Valley, Walter J. Watson, A.R.C.A. £30 0s 0d
212 Moorland, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £14 14s 0d
217 Mountain, Moor and Mist, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A . £30 0s 0d
221 Near Llyn Ogwen, North Wales, S. Watson Arthur, R .C.A. £10 0s 0d
225 Winter by the River, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £8 8s 0d
234 In the Meadows, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £8 8s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1931 Catalogue
The Victoria Room
136 Mist in the Glen, S . Watson Arthur, R.C.A . £10 0s 0d
211 Elsi Moor, near Bettws-y-Coed, S. Watson Arthur, R .C.A. £10 0s 0d
214 Moorland, near Ruthin, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £15 15s 0d
221 In the Meadows, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £7 7s 0d
The Lantern Room
464 Llyn Elsi and Moel Siabod, Bettws-y-Coed, S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £8 8s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1932 Catalogue
The Victoria Room
149 In the Meadows, The late S Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £7 7s 0d
On the Moors, The late S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £30 0s 0d
190 A Winter Sunset, The late S. Watson Arthur, R.C.A. £35 0s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1933 Catalogue
The Victoria Room
146 A Welsh Hillside, Walter J. Watson, A .R.C.A £20 0s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1934 Catalogue
The Reception Room
309 Conway Falls, North Wales, Walter J. Watson, A.R.C.A. £5 5s 0d
Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. 1937 Catalogue
The Banqueting Hall
3 Rough Pastures, Walter Watson, A.R.C.A. £7 7s 0d
Banqueting Hall, Plas Mawr, Conwy, c1920
Plas Mawr, Conwy