Chris Adams RMS - 1925 Watercolour Self Portrait

Description

Chris Adams RMS - Original 1925 Watercolour. A finely executed self portrait on ivorine which is signed and dated in the upper right corner. With a partially illegible inscription to lower- "Presented to Marcus Adams c.1933. Exhibited *** *** ***." Signed and dated. Various vertical cracks to ivorine which is laid on paper to hold pieces together.

Chris Adams (1867-1960) studied at Reading University and became best known for his miniature paintings. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, Royal Miniature Society and Walker Art Gallery. Although the popularity of small portraiture began to decline in the 20th century, Chris experienced considerable success and he was commissioned to paint two miniatures for the library of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, both preserved in the Royal Collection.

Some of the most successful of Chris’ miniature portraits in this collection are executed in an art deco style or depict sitters in fashionable art deco costume. Another popular subject in his miniature works is children and he was known to use the photographs taken by his brother, Marcus Adams, who has made his name as a child photographer.

Size

19 x 13.5cm (7.5" x 5.3")

Collection Information

The Adams family were three generations of artists and photographers based in Reading. The family business began with Walton Adams (1842-1934) who was the co-inventor of the dry-plate process and could list Queen Victoria amongst his most notable sitters. Of Walton’s seven children, two followed their father into the photography business and at Sulis Fine Art we are pleased to introduce you to artworks by his highly accomplished sons Marcus Adams (1875-1959) and Chris Adams (1867-1960).

The stylistic evolution across the three generations of artists is emblematic of wider evolving taste in art in Britain. Christopher’s art-deco miniatures and Marcus’s realist drawings of the Swiss Alps and beauty spots around England are replaced by the looser impressionistic style of Marcus’ son, Gilbert Adams (1906-1996), and the abstract compositions of Gilbert’s wife Rosalind Adams (née Thuillier, 1939-2015). The Adams Family Collection includes a large number of portraits and landscapes by Gilbert as well as pastels by Rosalind. Indeed, this expansive body of work presents a complete picture of the talented family and there is something within to satisfy every taste.

Many works in the collection are signed and most are in excellent condition. You can read more about the Adams Family Collection here.

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