William Barnes Wollen Facts for Kids

William Barnes Wollen (born October 6, 1857 – died March 28, 1936) was a famous English painter. He was best known for his exciting paintings of battles, historical events, and sporting events. He was a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

Wollen pictured in the Illustrated London News in 1892

"Defeat of the Prussian Guard, Ypres, 1914"

"The Black Watch (42nd Highlanders) at Bay, Quatre Bras"

"The last stand of the survivors of Her Majesty's 44th Foot at Gandamak"

Wollen's Art Career
- War Artist and Reporter
Famous Paintings by Wollen
- Gallery of Wollen's Works
See also

Wollen's Art Career

William Barnes Wollen was born in Leipzig, Germany, on October 6, 1857. He went to school in London at University College School and later studied art at the Slade School.

From 1879 until 1922, Wollen showed his artwork in many places. These included the Royal Academy and the National Watercolour Society. His very first painting shown at the Royal Academy was called "Football." After that, he started painting military scenes. His first military painting in 1881 showed a rescue during the Siege of Lucknow. In 1888, he became a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours.

War Artist and Reporter

In 1900, a new newspaper called The Sphere hired Wollen. They sent him to South Africa to be a special artist. His job was to draw and paint what he saw during the Second Boer War.

His time there led to several famous paintings. These included "The Imperial Light Horse at Waggon Hill" and "The Victoria Cross." He also painted "The 1st Battalion South Lancashire Regiment storming the Boer trenches at Pieter's Hill."

Wollen continued to paint important historical events. He created many scenes during and after World War I. These paintings showed the bravery and challenges of that huge conflict.

Wollen lived in London for most of his life. He passed away on March 28, 1936, when he was 78 years old.

Famous Paintings by Wollen

William Barnes Wollen created many well-known paintings. Most of them showed exciting moments from battles and historical events. Here are some examples:

Sergeant Ewart capturing the Eagle of the 45th: This painting shows a famous moment from the Battle of Waterloo.
The Black Watch (42nd Highlanders) at Bay, Quatre Bras (1894): This painting shows Scottish soldiers fighting bravely.
The Battle of Abu Klea, 1885 (1896): This artwork captures a fierce battle in Sudan.
The Last Stand of the 44th Regiment at Gundamuck, 1842 (1898): This painting shows a final, brave stand by soldiers.
The 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers at Omdurman (1899): This artwork shows a famous cavalry charge.
The Victoria Cross (1901): This painting shows a moment of great courage during the Boer War.
The First Fight for Independence, Lexington Common, April 19, 1775 (1910): This painting shows the start of the American Revolutionary War.
Defeat of the Prussian Guard, Ypres, 1914 (1915): This painting shows a key moment from World War I.
A Canadian Battalion capturing a German Trench at Vimy (1917): This artwork shows Canadian soldiers in action during World War I.