Tavy Cleave, Dartmoor

Frederick John Widgery (1861 – 1942)

Bodycolour. Signed. Inscribed.

19¼” x 29” (48.9 cm x 73.6 cm)

The name Frederick John Widgery is synonymous with Dartmoor. His evocative images capture the spectacular beauty of the wild and rugged landscape in all its moods, with imposing tors, dramatic skies, tumbling streams and colourful heather-clad valleys. This celebrated painter trained at Exeter School of Art, The South Kensington School and with Charles Verlat at The Antwerp Academy. In 1883, Widgery was one of only 34 successful applicants, out of several hundred, to be accepted in the inaugural intake at the Bushey Art School established by Herbert von Herkomer. On his return to Exeter, Widgery set up a studio near the home in which he was to live for the next 49 years. Devon and Cornwall were the inspiration for his paintings and, as the railways brought more visitors to the region, Widgery enjoyed a bumper market, with tourists keen to take a memento back home. He also sent a regular supply to his art dealer in London as demand grew, not just for his paintings of the moors, but also of the South West’s picturesque coast and attractive seaside destinations. Alongside his career as an artist, Widgery took an active role in civic life. Elected a councillor in 1898, he became Mayor of Exeter in 1903 and was subsequently made Honorary Freeman of the city, Alderman and Justice of the Peace. His initials, F.J., were incorporated in the car registration numbers for Exeter, whether by design or mere coincidence, however, being subject to discussion. Widgery illustrated several books, including “Devon, Its Moorlands, Streams and Coasts” by Lady Rosalind Northcote, published in 1908. He exhibited his work at The Royal Academy, The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, The Royal Institute of Oil Painters and The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.