Edward Charles Williams was an accomplished painter, predominately known for landscape paintings, and a member of the ‘Barnes School’.

Born in London, Edward Charles Williams was the son of ‘Old’ Williams, a landscape painter of some repute. Trained by his father, his style during the early part of his career was remarkably similar. As a boy, he would’ve been taught the masterly ways of the esteemed Dutch landscape painters of the 17th century, such as Meindert Hobbema (1638-1709). The Dutch and Flemish painters of this period set the bar in terms of composition, chiaroscuro and colouring.

Meindert Hobbema, Forest Landscape With A Merry Company In A Cart, Rijksmuseum (c. 1665)

Like the Dutch painters before him, Williams often included taverns in his landscapes as these were a welcome retreat for those travelling on horseback. In his ‘The Old Roadside Inn’ from 1859, numerous figures congregate as their host brings refreshments. It’s a worthy celebration of the great British pub (just as important today as it’s always been).

Edward Charles Williams, The Old Roadside Inn (1859)

As his career progressed, his style adapted in line with current fashions and became more naturalistic. E.g. with more emphasis on studying from life and painting what he saw. But for us, it’s his older works that carry the most charm.

Edward Charles Williams exhibited at the Royal Academy, British Institution and Royal Society of British Artists. He’s represented in numerous public collections including the Government Art Collection, Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Exhibited

Royal Academy, British Institution, Royal Society of British Artists.

Public Collections

Government Art Collection, Lamport Hall, National Trust at Anglesey Abbey, The Holburne Museum, Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Timeline

1807

Born in London to Edward Williams, an artist, and Ann Hildebrandt.

Trained under his father.

1839

Married Mary Ann Challenger in Westminster.
Debuted at the Royal Society of British Artists with ‘Moonlight’.

1840

Debuted at the Royal Academy with ‘Gipsey encampment - moon rising’.

1841

Debuted at the British Institution with ‘Gipsies, Moonlight’.

1851

Lived in St Pancras, London, with his wife, Mary. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist. Landscape’.

1868

Married Sarah Susannah Horley at  St. Pancras Old Church in Camden, London.

1871

Lived in Hammersmith with his wife, Sarah, and daughter. Occupation recorded as ‘Landscape Painter’.

1881

Lived in Hammersmith with his wife, Sarah, and daughter. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist. Landscape’. His daughter, Alice, is also recorded as a landscape painter.
Died in Shepherd's Bush, London.