Frank Wasley was a masterful English painter of maritime scenes and predominantly known as a watercolourist.

Born in Peckham, London, Wasley’s early years were rather nomadic, as it appears his family moved often. During an interview with The Artist magazine in 1901, he described being raised in the countryside, which enabled him to “revel in long solitary rambles” and “rejoice in the pageant of Nature's ever-changing moods”. Inspired by the picturesque scenery around him, he taught himself to draw and was evidently a keen draughtsman. 

However, before pursuing a professional career as a painter, he trained formally as a cellist and undertook work as a travelling musician. He’s recorded as undertaking a four-year tour of Canada in 1871.

In 1875, having returned from Canada, he switched from the orchestra to the sketchbook and established a studio in Whitby, Yorkshire. Here, captivated by towering cliffs, sheltered bays, and ever-changing waters, he began his work in earnest. It’s said that he was “enchanted with the poetic grandeur of Turner” but also the “breadth and freedom of Constable and [David] Cox”.

A restless soul, by 1880, he was living in Nottingham, and by 1882, in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Followed by a period in Manchester, before returning in 1896 to Whitby.

In 1894, alongside his accomplished works in watercolour, Owen became renowned for his expressive portrayals of nature in charcoal. These are free and rhythmical, without the burden of overthought. There’s a sense of vigour, as if he liberated himself from the demands of his usual process. Over time, he began to approach his watercolours in the same vein. As we see here in this piece, produced circa 1916. Critics labelled him “a highly talented post-impressionist”.

Frank Wasley, On The Lagoon At Sundown, Venice (c. 1916)

Despite developing a keen following, Wasley’s success was broadly posthumous, with collectors rediscovering his oeuvre in the 1970s. Perhaps only by looking back did the obvious comparison with Turner truly emerge.

He exhibited at Britain’s leading venues, including the Royal Academy, Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, among others.

Exhibited

Royal Academy, Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, The Royal Society Birmingham, Walker Art Gallery, Leeds, Exeter, New Gallery, Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

Public Collections

Grundy Art Gallery.

Timeline

1848

Born in Peckham, London, to Henry Joseph Wasley, a clerk, and Selina Ann Wasley (nee Smith).

1851

Lived in Camberwell, Surrey, with his parents and siblings.

1861

Lived in Northampton St Sepulchre with his mother.

1875

Returned from a tour of Canada.

1880

Lived in Nottingham.

1882

Lived in Shrewsbury.

1890

Married Winifred Wasley (maiden name not known).

1895

Lived in Manchester.

1894

Began also working in charcoal.

1896

Lived in Whitby.

1901

Lived in Whitby with his wife and children. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist (Painter)’.

1903

Moved to Weston-super-Mare.

1906

“A varied collection of water-colours” shown at the new Mendoza Galleries in Bond Street.

1908

Lived in Littlehampton.

1911

Lived in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, with his wife and children. Occupation recorded as ‘Landscape Artist’.

1914

Moved to Henley-on-Thames.

1934

Died in Kensington, London.