William Robert Gordon facts for kids

William Robert Gordon (born August 18, 1872 – died February 25, 1955) was an important artist and teacher from Northern Ireland. He was famous for painting landscapes and portraits. He also helped start two important groups: the Ulster Arts Club and the Ulster Literary Theatre.

Growing Up and Learning

William Gordon was born in Moira, County Down, in 1872. He went to the Bluecoat School in Downpatrick. When he was 14, he moved to England to find a job.

He worked for a company called Port Sunlight Soap. In his free time, he studied art at the Laird School of Art in Birkenhead. In 1898, he did very well in a national design competition.

Before he became a teacher, Gordon worked in the shipyards in Belfast. He later became a qualified art teacher, earning many top certificates.

Art School Days

From 1897 to 1900, Gordon continued his art studies at the Belfast School of Design. He studied with other artists who later became famous, like Paul Henry.

In 1897, Gordon became a student teacher at the school. The next year, he received a free scholarship. He also won a special prize from the Lord Mayor in 1899 for his drawings of objects at the Free Public Library and Museum.

For a while, he designed patterns for fabrics. But soon, he focused on painting landscapes.

Teaching Career

In 1901, Gordon started teaching art at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. He taught there for 45 years until he retired in 1946. He also taught evening classes at the Newtownards Technical School for many years.

Gordon was even the Chairman of the Art Teachers Association for a time. He also served on Belfast's Libraries, Museums, and Art Committee for 35 years. He believed that museums and galleries should be open on Sundays so more people could visit them.

His Art and Work

Gordon showed his artwork in exhibitions early in his career. In 1899 and 1900, he displayed portrait busts at the Belfast Art Society's yearly shows.

Starting Art Groups

In 1902, Gordon helped create the Ulster Arts Club. He became a joint Honorary Secretary for the club. Later, in 1914, he was chosen as its President.

In 1903, he showed his damask designs at the Ulster Arts Club's first exhibition. Many other artists, including John Lavery, also showed their work there. On August 22, 1906, Gordon married Elizabeth Darragh in New York.

Important Projects

In 1925, Gordon created six large paintings of Ulster landscapes. These were shown at the Ulster Pavilion during the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley, England.

In 1927, his work was part of an exhibition of "Irish Portraits by Ulster Artists." This show was held at the Belfast Free Library. Gordon also designed the official flag for the Governor of Northern Ireland. He also painted banners for local community groups to earn extra money.

In 1928, Gordon was part of a special group that helped write the rules for the new Ulster Academy of Arts.

Collaborations and Exhibitions

In 1932, Gordon had a joint art show in Dublin with another artist, John Hunter. They showed landscapes of the Glens of Antrim.

The Haverty Trust asked Gordon and Hunter to paint a mural for the Belfast Museum and Art Gallery. This mural showed the Bronze Age and was revealed in 1934.

In December 1934, Gordon showed several pieces at the only exhibition by the Ulster Unit. This was a group of modern artists. In 1936, one of his watercolor paintings, Downpatrick, was included in a book called The Tree. This book celebrated 100 years of the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In 1947, Gordon had another joint exhibition with a sculptor named Morris Harding. This show was at the Belfast Museum and Art Gallery. Gordon displayed over 30 watercolors and 15 oil paintings.

In 1949, after many years of working with the Royal Ulster Academy, Gordon was made an Honorary Academician. This was a special honor. In 1950, he helped organize an exhibition of lithographs by famous artists like Daumier.

Later Exhibitions

After being in the hospital, Gordon had a solo exhibition of his work in 1952. This show, held in Belfast, featured 40 of his paintings, including landscapes and still life. It was his first solo show in several years. He had his last solo exhibition at the same place in 1954.

Other Talents

William Gordon was also a founding member of the Ulster Literary Theatre. He was a skilled viola player and enjoyed singing ballads. He was also a baritone opera singer and made many recordings that were released by Decca Records.

He was involved in theater in many ways. He designed stages and costumes, acted in plays, and even produced them. He also acted on the radio and was often heard on BBC radio in the 1930s.

His Legacy

William Robert Gordon passed away at his home in Finaghy, south Belfast, on February 25, 1955. He was 82 years old. His wife and daughter survived him.

In 1972, the Ulster Museum held a small exhibition of Gordon's work. It included watercolors from his daughter and lithographic portraits he made in the 1920s.

His friend, art critic Ray Rosenfield, wrote about Gordon's work in 1972. He said that Gordon was a very careful artist. He believed that Gordon's skill with color and lines should be recognized again.

You can find William Gordon's artwork in many collections today. These include the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Ulster Museum, the Ulster Arts Club, and the Armagh County Museum.