William Parry (artist) facts for kids
William Parry (born May 2, 1743 – died February 12, 1791) was a talented artist from Wales. He was mostly known for painting portraits of people. Many important people in Wales hired him to paint their pictures because he had strong connections with a very powerful family, the Williams-Wynns.
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Who Was William Parry?
William Parry was the son of John Parry, a famous blind harp player. His father worked for Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, 3rd Baronet, who was the richest and most powerful person in Wales at that time.
Early Life and Training
When William was 16, he started learning art at William Shipley's drawing school. Later, he became a student of the famous painter Joshua Reynolds. This was a great opportunity for him to learn from the best.
Returning to Wales
Around 1769 or 1770, William Parry went back to Wales. The Wynnstay estate, where his father worked, had a new owner: the third baronet's son, also named Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn. This new Sir Watkin loved art and had just returned from a long trip around Europe called the "Grand Tour." He became a big supporter of William Parry's work.
William also received requests to paint portraits for other important families in Wales. He used both chalk and paint for these pictures.
The Grand Tour and Royal Academy
Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn helped pay for William Parry's own "Grand Tour" from 1770 to 1775. During this trip, William traveled through Europe, learning from old masters. He made large copies of famous paintings by artists like Raphael and Correggio.
In 1776, William Parry was chosen to be an Associate of the Royal Academy. This is a special group of artists in London. That same year, he showed five of his portraits at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition.
Famous Paintings
Around 1775 or 1776, William Parry painted one of his most well-known works. It was called Portrait of Omai with Sir Joseph Banks and Dr Daniel Solander. Omai was a man from the Pacific Islands who traveled to England, and this painting showed him with two famous explorers.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1779, William Parry's wife, Elizabeth, passed away. A few years later, in 1789, William went back to Italy. A fellow painter, James Northcote, said William went to find more art projects and to help himself feel better after losing his wife.
William Parry's health suddenly got worse, so he returned to London. He passed away in 1791 when he was 47 years old. He is remembered as an important Welsh portrait painter.
