Edward Angell Roberts was an amateur painter of landscapes and town scenes. Hailing from Brixton, he remained in London throughout his life and worked as a Clerk for the War Office in Pall Mall. Several of his works depict the sights close to his place of work so it seems logical that he took his sketch pad with him during lunch breaks. There’s an ease to his laid-back observational style, coupled with an interest in storytelling.

At the age of 22, he married the artist Josephine Bartolozzi Vestris Anderson who was the daughter of Joshua Rose Anderson, also an artist. It’s tempting to consider whether he took lessons from his father-in-law.

Timeline

1836

Born in Brixton, Surrey, to Edward Roberts and Maria Angell.

1851

Lived in St Pancras with his parents and brother. Worked as his father’s apprentice. His father’s occupation is unclear.

1858

Married Josephine Bartolozzi Vestris Anderson, an artist, and the daughter of Joshua Rose Anderson, also an artist, and Josephine Bartolozzi. The census records are unclear as to Josephine’s life beyond this point.

1861

Lived in Camberwell with his mother, a boarder and a servant.

1871

Lived in St Pancras with his wife, Mary (nee Shortland) and her sister. Worked as a Temporary Clerk for the War Office, presumably at Cumberland House, Pall Mall, London.

1881

Lived in St Pancras with his wife, Mary and her sister. Worked as a Clerk in the Civil Service, possibly still for the War Office at Cumberland House, Pall Mall, London.

1885

Produced a watercolour depicting New Street, Spring Gardens, London.

1887

Produced a watercolour depicting the Old Wooden Houses, The Strand, London.

1891

Lived in St Pancras with his wife, Mary. Worked as a Clerk for the War Office.

1895

Produced a watercolour depicting Garden House, Clements Inn, London.
Produced a watercolour depicting Pump Court at Temple, London.

1901

Lived in St Pancras with his wife, Mary. Worked as a Clerk for the War Office.

1904

Died in Camden, Middlesex.