EDWARD CHARLES WILLIAMS (1807-1881) ETON COLLEGE AT SUNSET PAINTING

Code: 2422

Dimensions:

18 x 12 in (45 x 31 cm) framed approx

Description:

Fine 19th century oil on panel landscape depicting Eton College at sunset by Edward Charles Williams. Excellent quality and condition study of the famous college by the eldest son of Edward Williams and member of the Williams family of painters. Signed, inscribed and dated 1875 verso. Presented in an ornate swept frame with shell decoration.

Condition:

Ready to hang.

Artist Information:

Edward Charles Williams was the son of Edward Williams the Elder (1782-1855) and a member of the Williams family of painters who were related to such famous artists as James Ward RA and George Morland.

His father was a well-known landscape artist, who taught him and his five brothers how to paint; otherwise they received no formal instruction. The family includes the painters George Augustus Williams, Henry John Boddington, Arthur Gilbert, Sidney Richard Percy and Alfred Walter Williams. They are sometimes referred to as the Barnes School.

Edward Charles adopted much of his father's style and technique, and like the other painters of his family, he devoted himself to landscapes, producing rich and tranquil views of Barnes, Cumberland, Kent, Surrey and the Thames. His style is that most associated with the Williams style and his early work is often confused with his father.

He collaborated on several paintings with William Shayer, where Williams would paint the landscape and Shayer would add in figures and animals; his Near Wantage, Berkshire is a good example. The association probably came about owing to the fact that Shayer was related by marriage to the Williams's.

Edward Charles Williams exhibited at the Royal Academy, British Institution, Society of British Artists and the National Institution. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1840 until 1864, showing at least 20 pictures. His work is held by several museums and institutions.

He died on 25 July 1881 at Goldhawk Road, Shepherds Bush in London and is buried with his second wife Sarah Horley and their daughter Alice in Hammersmith Old Cemetery, close to other family graves.