Charles Davidson was an accomplished British artist predominantly known for his landscapes in watercolour. Born in Chelsea, London, to Scottish parents, Davidson was orphaned at an early age and undertook his education locally. Initially, he was apprenticed by a seedsman, followed by a spell studying music, before finally pursuing a career as an artist. He was trained by the accomplished British watercolourist, John Absolon (1815-1895).

As he progressed, his circle of friends (or his ‘society’ as it was known) included several of his older, more established, contemporaries such as John Linnell, Samuel Palmer, and John Varley. Undoubtedly, he gained valuable insight via this considered group of aficionados, particularly Linnell who became a good friend.

At the age of 20, he debuted at the Old Water Colour Society and began to develop a solid reputation for his “modest and true” renderings of rural Britain. He often included believable figures haymaking, harvesting or fishing, which were more than simply ‘staffage’. His picturesque views were studied during excursions to various counties - primarily those close to his home in Reigate, Surrey, but also further afield.

In 1849, as a result of his endeavours and respect among peers, he was elected a member of the New Water Colour Society, and nine years later, a member of the Old Water Colour Society. Remarkably, he exhibited over 800 works at the latter.

Considered a master of naturalism, Davidson’s temperate visions of pastoral bliss, gained much popularity with both the public and the press. In 1876, The Graphic described his work as “unpretending transcripts of Surrey wood or pasture, or cornfield, or Berkshire riverside, in spring or autumn”.

Seeking a quieter life by the sea, in around 1881, he moved, together with his wife and daughter, to St Buryan on the Cornish coast, and then Falmouth, where he remained for the rest of his life. Here, he introduced numerous coastal views into his repertoire and his ‘Bossinney, near Tintagel’ is currently at the V&A Museum.

Charles Davidson was one of the finer watercolourists of his generation and highly regarded during his lifetime. In addition to the two societies referred to above, he also exhibited at the Royal Academy, the British Institution, and the Royal Society of British Artists. His works are held in numerous public collections including the Walker Art Gallery, British Museum, and Royal Collection Trust. His photograph is at the National Portrait Gallery.

Exhibited

New Water Colour Society, Old Water Colour Society.

Public Collections

V&A, Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, Blackburn Art Gallery, Brighton Art Gallery, Reading Art Gallery.

Timeline

1821

Born in Chelsea, London, to John Davidson, a gentleman, and Joanna Davidson (nee Workman).

Studied under watercolourist John Absolon (1815-1895).

1842

Married Anne Topham. The pair would have two sons and four daughters.

1844

Debuted at the Old Water Colour Society. He exhibited over 800 works across the span of his career.

1847

Elected an Associate of the New Water Colour Society.

1849

Elected a Member of the New Water Colour Society.

1851

Lived in Reigate, Surrey, with his wife and children. Occupation recorded as ‘Landscape Painter’.

1855

Elected an Associate of the Old Water Colour Society.

1856

His ‘Haymaking at Priory Park, Near Reigate’ was acquired by Prince Albert as a Christmas gift for Queen Victoria. 

1858

Elected a Member of the Old Water Colour Society.

1861

Lived in Reigate, Surrey, with his wife and children. Occupation recorded as ‘Watercolour Painter’.

1867

His daughter Annie Laura Davidson married the engraver, Francis Montague Holl RA (1845-1888), the son of Francis Holl ARA (1815-1884).

1871

Lived in Reigate, Surrey, with his wife and children. Occupation recorded as ‘Watercolour Painter’.

1881

Lived in St Buryan, Cornwall, with his wife and daughter. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist. Painter in Watercolours’.

1882

Moved to Falmouth, Cornwall.

1891

Lived in Falmouth, Cornwall, with his wife and daughter. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist in Watercolours’.

1901

Lived in Falmouth, Cornwall, with his daughters. Occupation recorded as ‘Landscape Painter’.

1902

Died in Falmouth, Cornwall.