McTague of Harrogate has dated this piece to the 1870s.
The second son of a Yorkshire farmer, George Weatherill was born in the fishing village of Staithes on 18 September 1810. A delicate, intelligent child, he spent much of his spare time down by the shore sketching in the sand. During an apprenticeship to a solicitor, he became acquainted with George Haydock Dodgson, a local painter, who discovered and developed his artistic talent.
At the age of 20, he moved to Whitby to work for Henry Butcher, later joining the staff of the bankers Simpson and Chapman. Yet he painted whenever possible, exploring the surrounding villages and towns in order to find picturesque compositions, and rising early to study the sunrise. Becoming particularly inspired by J M W Turner, he made a number of engravings of his work. He exhibited pictures in metropolitan exhibitions, at the Society of British Artists and the Dudley Gallery, but was mainly patronised by Northern industrialists and merchants.
After a career as a banker he returned to painting full time. He died on 30 August 1890 and is buried in Whitby cemetery. In turn, his successful life as an artist encouraged his children to paint; his son Richard and his daughters Elizabeth, Mary and Sarah Ellen followed his example and became successful painters.
The present watercolour is a lovely example measuring 4" x 6". It is unsigned and is in a quality mount and frame giving an overall size of 12"x 14".
McTague of Harrogate has dated this piece to the 1870s.
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George Weatherill "Whitby" Watercolour
