Wilfrid Williams Ball RE ROI (1853-1917) - Six Views of the Thames

Description

A set of six small etchings presented in three separate frames. Ball gained his first substantive notice when James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903), by whom Ball was certainly influenced, admired the Thames Etchings in 1881-82. In the first frame, the scenes include 'Off Gravesend' and 'London Bridge'; in the second, 'Off Woolwich' and 'Long Reach'; and in the third 'Off the Tower' and 'Greenwich'. Presented glazed in cream mounts and black and gold Hogarth-style frames. All are inscribed in plate with their location to either the left or right lower corner. All are signed in plate to either the left or right lower corner, with the exception of the 'London Bridge' etching. On wove.

Condition

There is some foxing and discolouration to all, including to the mounts. Overall in good condition.

Size

17 x 10.5cm (6.7" x 4.1")
Framed Size: 20.7 x 14.2cm (8.1" x 5.6")

Artist Biography

Wilfrid Williams Ball (1853-1917) was a painter and etcher, born in London and educated at Hackney Grammar School. His first name is often misspelled 'Wilfred'. While training to become an accountant he devoted much spare time to artistic interests. After exhibiting at the RA he gave up his accountancy studies and devoted himself full-time to his painting in 1877, traveling extensively in Europe and the Middle East. He exhibited at RA, RBA, RE, RI and held several solo exhibitions at the FAS. He was elected to the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers in 1882 and to the ROI in 1889. In 1916 he returned to accountancy and was sent to North Africa on behalf of the army. He worked in Cairo and then in Khartoum, where he died on 14 February 1917.

Location

London, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom