Frederick Waters Watts
British, (1800-1870)
Aylesford Bridge, Kent
Oil on canvas, unsigned, stencil mark to the stretcher
Image size: 19.5 inches x 29.25 inches
Size including frame: 25.5 inches x 35.25 inches
Provenance: Christie’s Fine Victorian Pictures, 31 October 1986, lot 38.
A fine painting of figures on a boat near Aylesford Bridge by Frederick Waters Watts. To the left of the painting a boat with a winch and three figures can be seen moored by the side of the river Medway. Meanwhile, other figures on horseback are shown travelling on the opposite bank towards St Peter and St Paul’s church. Although this painting is unsigned, which wasn’t unusual for Watt’s, it bears all the hallmarks of his style and subject matter; from the colour palette to the treatment of the figures, water and trees, boat and buildings.
At some point, the original title of the painting was lost, however, careful investigation has identified the location as Aylesford Bridge in Kent
.... Further research also revealed that Watts exhibited a work entitled ‘Aylesford Bridge’ at the British Institution in 1826, no. 20. A work with the same title was later exhibited at the RA in 1835, no. 670. Many of his paintings at the RA were previously exhibited elsewhere, strongly indicating the two works are one in the same. The reverse of the painting bears Christie’s marks and stencil from the Fine Victorian Pictures sale on 31 October 1986, lot 38, where it was catalogued as by Frederick Waters Watts.
Frederick Waters Watts was born in St Albans on 7 October 1800, the son of William Watts and his wife Mary (née Eyre). His father was a landowner from Hoxton and his mother was the daughter of the Reverend Ambrose Eyre of Cambridge. Although little is known about his early life, his father’s income would have meant he received a good education. In 1817, he enrolled at the Royal Academy under the name William Watts. He later reverted to his full name, most likely to avoid confusion with the artist and engraver William Watts (1752-1851).
At the RA schools, he won a number of silver medals and began exhibiting at the RA in 1821. By this point, he was living in Hampstead High Street and in 1823 started exhibiting at the British Institution and from 1825 at Royal Society of British Artists. He was influenced by Constable who also resided in Hampstead; although there is no evidence they ever met. The vast majority of his subject matter was of landscapes and many of his paintings featured rivers and bridges, such as this fine example. He travelled throughout the UK and visited Wales, Herefordshire, Devon, Kent, Hampshire and Scotland. In 1827 he visited France where he spent time in Rouen.
Watts married Jane Dorothy Gibbon on 28 April, 1836 and the couple lived at 6 Union Terrace, Hampstead. By 1838, he had moved to 1 Haverstock Terrace where he was to spend the next 30 years. From his base, he travelled around the country, often painting a number of different views of the areas he visited.
His first wife Jane died in 1853 and in 1857 he married Juliana Louisa Grimwood. Sometime towards the end of the 1860’s moved to Lawn Road in Hampstead where he died on 4 July, 1870. His work is held in numerous public collections including the Ashmolean, Chepstow Museum, Government Art Collection, Maidstone Museum, Museum of London, National Trust, River & Rowing Museum, Royal Society of Arts, Southampton City Art Gallery, Towneley Hall Art Gallery, V&A and Walker Art Gallery.
Presentation: The work is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition.
Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.
© Benton Fine Art
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Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1168940
Dateline of this antique is 19th Century
Height is 65cm (25.6inches)Width is 89.5cm (35.2inches)Depth is 7cm (2.8inches)
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