Walter Ernest Webster facts for kids

Walter Ernest Webster RI ROI RP (17 November 1877 – 30 April 1959) was a talented British artist. He was known for painting people, especially portraits, and also worked as an illustrator for books and magazines.

Early Life and Art School Journey

Walter Ernest Webster was born in Manchester, England, on November 17, 1877. His father, Robert, was a salesman, and his mother was Mary. Walter was baptized in the Manchester Church of England Cathedral in January 1878. He had one sister named Gertrude Mary.

Walter showed great artistic promise from a young age. He won a special scholarship to study at the National Art Training Schools. This school later became known as the Royal College of Art. After that, he continued his art education at the famous Royal Academy Schools from 1899 to 1904.

Winning Awards and Recognition

Walter was a very good student and won many awards for his art.

• He won first prize in a design competition before even starting at the Royal Academy.
• In 1901, he received a scholarship for painting.
• He also won first prize and a silver medal for six drawings of a person.
• In 1902, he won first prize and another silver medal for a drawing of a draped figure.
• He was a runner-up for other important art prizes as well.

In 1901, Walter lived in Putney, London, with his mother and sister. His sister, Gertrude, worked as a governess, teaching children. He continued to live with them until he got married.

Serving in the Army as a Painter

During World War I, Walter joined the British Army in 1916. He was first part of the Suffolk Regiment and then the Essex Regiment. In 1918, the Royal Engineers camouflage school tested his painting skills. They said he was a "superior painter," which was the highest rating! He was transferred to the Royal Engineers and became an acting Sergeant. He spent the entire war in England and was released from service in 1919.

Family Life and Later Years

In late 1919, Walter married Susan Beatrice Pearse, who was also an artist and book illustrator. Susan continued to use her maiden name for her professional work. After they married, Walter and Susan lived with his mother and sister in a house called Broome Villa in London. Walter lived there until he passed away on April 30, 1959.

His wife, Susan, lived for more than twenty years after him. She passed away in 1980, just before her 102nd birthday!

Artistic Career: Painting and Illustrating

After his studies, Walter Webster began showing his artwork at the Royal Academy of Arts. He continued to exhibit his paintings there almost every year until he died. He also showed his art in many other important places, including:

• The Royal Institute of Oil Painters
• The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours
• The Royal Glasgow Institute
• The Paris Salon (a famous art show in Paris)

He won several medals at the Paris Salon: a bronze medal in 1912, silver medals in 1913 and 1914, and a gold medal in 1931.

Working as an Illustrator

Even when he was a student, Walter started working for magazines. He created illustrations for the front covers of popular publications like "Ladies' Home Journal." Many of his illustrations had the cool, stylish look of the Art Deco period.

He also drew pictures for books, including:

• Eight color pictures for "Champion" (1907)
• Four color pictures for "King of the Air" (1907)
• Four color pictures for "For Treasure Bound" (1910)

Joining Important Art Societies

Walter became a member of several important art societies:

• In 1920, he joined the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI).
• In 1920, he also joined the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI).
• In 1921, he became a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RP).
• In 1937, he was even elected Vice-President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.

People said that his paintings were influenced by famous 18th-century French artists like Boucher and Chardin. This means many of his artworks had a classic, elegant feel from that time period.

Notable Artworks and Collections

Walter Webster created many paintings during his career. He was especially good at painting portraits of young women. He used a soft, flowing style in his art. If you search for his name online, you can find over sixty different images of his work!

His paintings have been sold at auctions many times. One of his artworks, "The Japanese Fan," sold for a high price of over US$62,000 in 2004.

You can see Walter Webster's art in many public collections across the UK, including:

• The Walker Art Gallery
• Gallery Oldham
• Paisley Museum and Art Galleries
• McLean Museum and Art Gallery
• Wellcome Collection
• The Government Art Collection

The Government Art Collection even has a portrait he painted of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II! He had also painted a watercolor of the young Princess Elizabeth when she was a child.