My great grandfather William Terry Brookes, was a landscape artist. At the time of his death in 1923, he and his wife Hannah were living at 8 Fisher Street, Old Trafford. He is buried in Stretford Cemetery.
Monday 6 June 2011
Sunday 5 June 2011
Warwick Brookes 1808-1882 location of last home address.
When Warwick Brookes 1808-1882, the artist died, it caused the publication of many articles in the press at the time. Amongst those was an account of his funeral which took place at Brooklands Cemetery, Sale. The article states that the cortège started from his home address at 4 Egerton Grove, Stretford New Road, joined Chester Road, and made its way to Brooklands.
Warwick Brookes MP and the scandal of divorce!
One of the newspaper cuttings I hold about Warwick Brookes 1875-1935, MP, relates to a divorce scandal, details of which appeared in the Times.
Emile de Minciaky had petitioned for the dissolution of his marriage to Beatrice, nee Waldenstrom, by reason of her adultery with Warwick Brookes.
Emile, born in Russia in 1870, married Beatrice on 27th August 1892 at the Brompton Oratory, <Click>, and from the age of 19 had been an attaché at the Russian Embassy in Stockholm, and later worked for a copper rolling company in Manchester. But by 1894 was manager of the London office of the National Cash Register Company.
Beatrice, born c1872, was the daughter of Eric Waldenstrom b1838 and Elizabeth b1848. Eric, born in Carlstad, Sweden, was in 1881 living at 9 The Avenue, Broughton, Salford, and working as a civil engineer*.
It transpired that a child, John Charles Hugo, had been born illegitimately during Brookes' relationship with Beatrice, and this was also reported in the divorce case. The decree nisi was issued on 20th March 1900, and the decree absolute on 4th October 1900. Beatrice and Warwick were married in 1900, sometime after that. There was another child, Claire, who was born c1899. Claire appears as an adult in later photographs of Warwick during his election campaigns, but there is never reference to the son John. Only Claire attended her father's funeral in 1935. The only other mention of a son, is in one of the obituaries to Warwick's brother Gordon Byron, who was killed in action on the Somme, where there is mention of another family member "serving on the front". That being the son of Warwick Brookes MP. I would assume therefore, that he possibly didn't survive the war.
(**May 2012, I now know that John did survive the war, having served in the 2nd/4th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment, (Prince of Wales Volunteers), having been commissioned on 30th June 1915 and assisted by his father Warwick's influence). On 15th February 1917 he was posted to France, and in May 1918 was hit in the head by shrapnel and transferred to Calais, his wound not serious enough to merit a return home. He returned to his Battalion on 22nd June. On 26th October 1918 he was commissioned in the Irish Guards in the 2nd Battalion. In 1925 he became a monk at Downside Abbey in Somerset, but returned to the Chaplaincy for the Irish Guards, in the second world war. As a novice monk his name was changed to Dom Rudesind Brookes. During active service at Anzio he won the Military Cross for extreme gallantry, and later in life was awarded the OBE. He became Abbot when he was appointed "procurator in curia" of the English Benedictine Congregation in Rome. In 1983, a year before his death, he narrated his biography to Anthony Wheatley, and this is published under the title "Father Dolly, The Guardsman Monk" which is still widely available from used book shops. Up until his 16th birthday he knew nothing of his past relating to his mother's previous marriage. He was then told that Warwick Brookes was in fact his step father, although, from the news report of the divorce which appeared in the Times, both Brookes and Beatrice De Minciaky admitted in open court that John was as a result of their union. The reason he didn't attend Warwick's funeral in 1935 is that he was out of contact abroad at the time).
In the above photograph, Claire, with the fur, is the lady on Warwick's left. The lady on his right, is his niece Lorraine Sandow. Claire was probably a teenager at the time of this photograph.
It was reported in the Times that Brookes and Beatrice subsequently lived maritalement in Bedford Court Mansions. Read about the area here:- http://www.bedfordcourtmansions.co.uk/
The 1901 census shows that Warwick, Beatrice, Claire (age 2), and John (Jack) Charles (age 3), were living at this address, (number 61), with one female servant.
*Eric Hugo Waldenstrom, although Swedish, lived in Salford, and is listed as a civil engineer. He is also believed to be an inventor, perhaps of a modified Davy miner's lamp, known as the Waldenstrom patent. This modification ensured the lamp was extinguished before it was opened, and was demonstrated by a member of the Manchester Geological Society, (Mr. Horsfell), at a meeting held at The Peter Street museum in May 1867. Whether the design is the work of Eric Waldenstrom remains unproven, however, another patent, for improvements in machinery involved in the production of bolts, rivets and spikes can be shown to be linked to Eric Hugo Waldenstrom in the following link. There is reference to him, again in an on line readable book, which lists alphabetically the people who registered or applied for patents of invention in the middle years of the 19th century. <Click>.
This is the modern location of The Avenue, Salford, which is the same as it was then, but changed beyond recognition by the type of property that is there now.
View Larger Map
At the time the Waldenstrom's lived here, The Avenue was tree lined, with a few terraced villas along the road, and although 40 years prior, was surrounded by parkland, was now beginning to be built up with additional terraced streets and factories surrounding it. In the 50's and 60's, the whole area was demolished and replaced with modern local authority housing.
Emile de Minciaky had petitioned for the dissolution of his marriage to Beatrice, nee Waldenstrom, by reason of her adultery with Warwick Brookes.
Emile, born in Russia in 1870, married Beatrice on 27th August 1892 at the Brompton Oratory, <Click>, and from the age of 19 had been an attaché at the Russian Embassy in Stockholm, and later worked for a copper rolling company in Manchester. But by 1894 was manager of the London office of the National Cash Register Company.
Beatrice, born c1872, was the daughter of Eric Waldenstrom b1838 and Elizabeth b1848. Eric, born in Carlstad, Sweden, was in 1881 living at 9 The Avenue, Broughton, Salford, and working as a civil engineer*.
(**May 2012, I now know that John did survive the war, having served in the 2nd/4th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment, (Prince of Wales Volunteers), having been commissioned on 30th June 1915 and assisted by his father Warwick's influence). On 15th February 1917 he was posted to France, and in May 1918 was hit in the head by shrapnel and transferred to Calais, his wound not serious enough to merit a return home. He returned to his Battalion on 22nd June. On 26th October 1918 he was commissioned in the Irish Guards in the 2nd Battalion. In 1925 he became a monk at Downside Abbey in Somerset, but returned to the Chaplaincy for the Irish Guards, in the second world war. As a novice monk his name was changed to Dom Rudesind Brookes. During active service at Anzio he won the Military Cross for extreme gallantry, and later in life was awarded the OBE. He became Abbot when he was appointed "procurator in curia" of the English Benedictine Congregation in Rome. In 1983, a year before his death, he narrated his biography to Anthony Wheatley, and this is published under the title "Father Dolly, The Guardsman Monk" which is still widely available from used book shops. Up until his 16th birthday he knew nothing of his past relating to his mother's previous marriage. He was then told that Warwick Brookes was in fact his step father, although, from the news report of the divorce which appeared in the Times, both Brookes and Beatrice De Minciaky admitted in open court that John was as a result of their union. The reason he didn't attend Warwick's funeral in 1935 is that he was out of contact abroad at the time).
In the above photograph, Claire, with the fur, is the lady on Warwick's left. The lady on his right, is his niece Lorraine Sandow. Claire was probably a teenager at the time of this photograph.
It was reported in the Times that Brookes and Beatrice subsequently lived maritalement in Bedford Court Mansions. Read about the area here:- http://www.bedfordcourtmansions.co.uk/
The 1901 census shows that Warwick, Beatrice, Claire (age 2), and John (Jack) Charles (age 3), were living at this address, (number 61), with one female servant.
*Eric Hugo Waldenstrom, although Swedish, lived in Salford, and is listed as a civil engineer. He is also believed to be an inventor, perhaps of a modified Davy miner's lamp, known as the Waldenstrom patent. This modification ensured the lamp was extinguished before it was opened, and was demonstrated by a member of the Manchester Geological Society, (Mr. Horsfell), at a meeting held at The Peter Street museum in May 1867. Whether the design is the work of Eric Waldenstrom remains unproven, however, another patent, for improvements in machinery involved in the production of bolts, rivets and spikes can be shown to be linked to Eric Hugo Waldenstrom in the following link. There is reference to him, again in an on line readable book, which lists alphabetically the people who registered or applied for patents of invention in the middle years of the 19th century. <Click>.
This is the modern location of The Avenue, Salford, which is the same as it was then, but changed beyond recognition by the type of property that is there now.
View Larger Map
At the time the Waldenstrom's lived here, The Avenue was tree lined, with a few terraced villas along the road, and although 40 years prior, was surrounded by parkland, was now beginning to be built up with additional terraced streets and factories surrounding it. In the 50's and 60's, the whole area was demolished and replaced with modern local authority housing.
Friday 3 June 2011
John Henry Letherbrow
Again, not related to the Brookes family, John Henry Letherbrow was the brother of Thomas Letherbrow, the lifelong friend of my grt grt grandfather Warwick Brookes 1808-1882. I mentioned him in my article on Thomas, and stated that John was an artist of great promise, and had studied at the Munich Academy of Fine Art. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 47, in Munich, before his promise as a great artist had been fully recognised. It was fashionable for artists of that time to attend art colleges in Germany, as they were seen to be the premier establishments where the skills of the artist could be polished to perfection.
This depicts a piece of his work:-
This depicts a piece of his work:-
The story of Endymion "What is it" by J. H. Letherbrow.
John Henry Letherbrow died on 8th November 1883 at Krankenhaus, (German for hospital), Sendlinger Tor, Munich, Bavaria, (now the location of Munich University). His will was proved on 10th January 1884, being shown as late of 5 Grove Street, Ardwick, Manchester. (This address no longer exists, the area having been extensively re-developed). The will was proved at the principle registry by John Cunliffe, of Lumber Hey, (possibly Lomber Hey), near Stockport, Cheshire, (now a suburb of Manchester), then in the county of Chester. Commission agent was Thomas Letherbrow, of Cavendish Villa, Davenport, Stockport, brother and executor. Thomas Letherbrow's main occupation, for the whole of his life was at Messrs. Cunliffe Brooks and Co., a bank, where he eventually became chief cashier. I am presuming that the Cunliffe linked to the will, was something to do with the bank where he was employed.
John Henry Letherbrow died on 8th November 1883 at Krankenhaus, (German for hospital), Sendlinger Tor, Munich, Bavaria, (now the location of Munich University). His will was proved on 10th January 1884, being shown as late of 5 Grove Street, Ardwick, Manchester. (This address no longer exists, the area having been extensively re-developed). The will was proved at the principle registry by John Cunliffe, of Lumber Hey, (possibly Lomber Hey), near Stockport, Cheshire, (now a suburb of Manchester), then in the county of Chester. Commission agent was Thomas Letherbrow, of Cavendish Villa, Davenport, Stockport, brother and executor. Thomas Letherbrow's main occupation, for the whole of his life was at Messrs. Cunliffe Brooks and Co., a bank, where he eventually became chief cashier. I am presuming that the Cunliffe linked to the will, was something to do with the bank where he was employed.
Monday 30 May 2011
Gordon Byron Brookes, killed in action.
Captain Gordon Byron Brookes 1880-1916, son of Warwick Brookes 1843-1929, the photographer of 350 Oxford Road, Manchester, was killed in action during the Battles of the Somme, in 1916. The action is detailed in the archives of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, and is as follows........
Friday 27 May 2011
Coincidences during historic research.
For the amateur, who is perhaps researching historic data for the first time, perhaps attempting to discover their family history, there will be times when you stumble upon information which seems too good to be true. It often is!
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Thomas Letherbrow 1825-1899
Thomas Letherbrow is not related to the Brookes family, but was the very good friend, and fellow artist of Warwick 1808-1882. Letherbrow was a bank cashier, and entered the service of Messrs. Cunliffes Brooks and Co. <Click>, at the age of thirteen, and worked for them for the rest of his career, becoming chief cashier in the latter part. He married Emma Hobbs in 1858, and for the whole of his life was a teetotaller.
He was an accomplished draughtsman, and produced many etchings of merit, a talent he shared with his younger brother, John Henry Letherbrow, <Click>, an artist of marked ability and promise, who had studied at The Munich Academy of Fine Arts, and died, in Munich, at the early age of 47. Thomas was a published poet, and a volume "May Flowers" was published in 1853 for the benefit of the Deaf and Dumb school, in which he had contributed both a poem and an etching.
Letherbrow met Warwick in the early days of the Manchester school of art and design, and later set up the art society with him that met above Rose's china shop on Kings Street, Manchester. He was a regular contributor to the press, mainly The Manchester City News, on many subjects relating to art, natural history, literature and antiquities, and was treasurer to the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society for many years, commencing office in 1889.
[This is another on line readable book. Volume 7, 1889 Transactions of The Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society. Letherbrow is listed as treasurer, and the book contains high quality illustrations drawn by him. See the list of his contributions on the illustrations contents page. Click this link to read the book: 1889 Transactions of The Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society.] Other volumes, also available to read on the same site contain further high quality drawings by him.
He took little part in public matters, but became well known for his interests in art and literature, and wrote biographical monographs on his friends George Crozier*, Frederick Shields, William Hull and Warwick Brookes. His book "Pencil Pictures of Child Life", published in 1889, was a complete biography of Brookes, and included illustrations by the artist himself.
I had suspected that the book I own, where much of the information for my own research has come from, was put together in limited edition, from an article of memoriam that appeared in The Manchester City News in 1882, and is reproduced in full on this website. Due to its content being similar to that of the book Pencil Pictures of Child Life, I also suspected that Letherbrow was the author of the article. However, due to discovering the published minutes from a March 6th. 1883 meeting of The Manchester Literary Society, <Click>, I now know that my book was in fact written by Letherbrow after the death of his friend. The newspaper article was taken from the book, and not the other way round, and the book was later reprinted in a special illustrated edition in limited numbers for family, friends and collectors. This is the book I have.
Letherbrow was noted for putting together professionally produced pamphlets of his poems for distribution amongst his friends. The book I have, is professionally leather bound in navy blue with black trim, embossed on the spine, in gold leaf, "Warwick Brookes." However, there are no references within it to the author, or any other information such as publication details. The illustrations are also original photographs which are simply pasted on to blank pages that are among the printed text. On a blank page inside the cover, an original 1911 newspaper cutting of Frederick Shield's obituary is pasted, with hand written comment in fountain pen ink, "Daily Mail Feb 28, '11." On the opposite page is a signature, again in ink. The surname can definitely be read as "Gurney," with possibly "Wm" and possibly another letter before it. This is the only clue I have as to who might have been the original owner.
Here are the relevant extracts from the literary society meeting:-
The meeting was discussing various publications in the antiquities, topography and history category, and went on..., the "Memorials of Warwick Brookes" written, it was believed by Mr. Thomas Letherbrow, and contributed to The Manchester City News, have been reprinted, and in their illustrated form, make up a volume which will be treasured by collectors. The meeting then went on to discuss the science and useful arts category.
Both Thomas, and his wife Emma had an involvement in "The Letherbrow Club," a private literary and artistic society in Manchester, of which many (now famous) artists of the time were members, and submitted work to the manuscript volumes held by the club. Two members of note were William Hull 1820-1880, and John Dawson Watson 1832-1892, (interesting, possibly to some Brookes family members who may read this, was married at Giggleswick on 22nd November 1858, to his cousin, Jane Dawson Edmondson, daughter of Christopher Dawson, a solicitor of Settle).
*Information taken from Letherbrow's obituary as printed in The Manchester Guardian, 1899. [Ed's note: George Crozier 1846-1915, landscape painter, was the son of Robert Crozier 1815-1891, a portrait artist, and later President of The Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, friend of Warwick Brookes 1808-1882. R.Crozier, Shields, Brookes, Hull and Letherbrow are all well documented as friends and fellow artists. This is the only reference I have found that includes G.Crozier in that group.]
Letherbrow is listed as being present at the funeral of his friend Warwick Brookes 1808-1882.
He died at his home in Alderly Edge on 2nd January 1899.
He was an accomplished draughtsman, and produced many etchings of merit, a talent he shared with his younger brother, John Henry Letherbrow, <Click>, an artist of marked ability and promise, who had studied at The Munich Academy of Fine Arts, and died, in Munich, at the early age of 47. Thomas was a published poet, and a volume "May Flowers" was published in 1853 for the benefit of the Deaf and Dumb school, in which he had contributed both a poem and an etching.
Letherbrow met Warwick in the early days of the Manchester school of art and design, and later set up the art society with him that met above Rose's china shop on Kings Street, Manchester. He was a regular contributor to the press, mainly The Manchester City News, on many subjects relating to art, natural history, literature and antiquities, and was treasurer to the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society for many years, commencing office in 1889.
[This is another on line readable book. Volume 7, 1889 Transactions of The Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society. Letherbrow is listed as treasurer, and the book contains high quality illustrations drawn by him. See the list of his contributions on the illustrations contents page. Click this link to read the book: 1889 Transactions of The Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society.] Other volumes, also available to read on the same site contain further high quality drawings by him.
He took little part in public matters, but became well known for his interests in art and literature, and wrote biographical monographs on his friends George Crozier*, Frederick Shields, William Hull and Warwick Brookes. His book "Pencil Pictures of Child Life", published in 1889, was a complete biography of Brookes, and included illustrations by the artist himself.
I had suspected that the book I own, where much of the information for my own research has come from, was put together in limited edition, from an article of memoriam that appeared in The Manchester City News in 1882, and is reproduced in full on this website. Due to its content being similar to that of the book Pencil Pictures of Child Life, I also suspected that Letherbrow was the author of the article. However, due to discovering the published minutes from a March 6th. 1883 meeting of The Manchester Literary Society, <Click>, I now know that my book was in fact written by Letherbrow after the death of his friend. The newspaper article was taken from the book, and not the other way round, and the book was later reprinted in a special illustrated edition in limited numbers for family, friends and collectors. This is the book I have.
Letherbrow was noted for putting together professionally produced pamphlets of his poems for distribution amongst his friends. The book I have, is professionally leather bound in navy blue with black trim, embossed on the spine, in gold leaf, "Warwick Brookes." However, there are no references within it to the author, or any other information such as publication details. The illustrations are also original photographs which are simply pasted on to blank pages that are among the printed text. On a blank page inside the cover, an original 1911 newspaper cutting of Frederick Shield's obituary is pasted, with hand written comment in fountain pen ink, "Daily Mail Feb 28, '11." On the opposite page is a signature, again in ink. The surname can definitely be read as "Gurney," with possibly "Wm" and possibly another letter before it. This is the only clue I have as to who might have been the original owner.
Here are the relevant extracts from the literary society meeting:-
The meeting was discussing various publications in the antiquities, topography and history category, and went on..., the "Memorials of Warwick Brookes" written, it was believed by Mr. Thomas Letherbrow, and contributed to The Manchester City News, have been reprinted, and in their illustrated form, make up a volume which will be treasured by collectors. The meeting then went on to discuss the science and useful arts category.
Both Thomas, and his wife Emma had an involvement in "The Letherbrow Club," a private literary and artistic society in Manchester, of which many (now famous) artists of the time were members, and submitted work to the manuscript volumes held by the club. Two members of note were William Hull 1820-1880, and John Dawson Watson 1832-1892, (interesting, possibly to some Brookes family members who may read this, was married at Giggleswick on 22nd November 1858, to his cousin, Jane Dawson Edmondson, daughter of Christopher Dawson, a solicitor of Settle).
*Information taken from Letherbrow's obituary as printed in The Manchester Guardian, 1899. [Ed's note: George Crozier 1846-1915, landscape painter, was the son of Robert Crozier 1815-1891, a portrait artist, and later President of The Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, friend of Warwick Brookes 1808-1882. R.Crozier, Shields, Brookes, Hull and Letherbrow are all well documented as friends and fellow artists. This is the only reference I have found that includes G.Crozier in that group.]
Letherbrow is listed as being present at the funeral of his friend Warwick Brookes 1808-1882.
He died at his home in Alderly Edge on 2nd January 1899.
Tuesday 24 May 2011
William Terry Brookes 1864-1923
Extract from The Manchester Guardian, August 23rd. 1923, Death announcements.
Brookes - On the 1st, Inst. at 8 Fisher Street, Old Trafford, WILLIAM TERRY, beloved husband of Hannah Brookes, and youngest son of the late Warwick Brookes (artist). Interment Stretford cemetery on Saturday 3.30.
Brookes - On the 1st, Inst. at 8 Fisher Street, Old Trafford, WILLIAM TERRY, beloved husband of Hannah Brookes, and youngest son of the late Warwick Brookes (artist). Interment Stretford cemetery on Saturday 3.30.
1886 Sale By Auction of Brookes' artwork.
I had often wondered what happened to the accumulation of artwork that must have been in Warwick Brookes' (1808-1882), possession at the time of his death. I know that some of it filtered down through the family and is still in their possession. Other pieces are to be found in museums, art galleries, and libraries across the country, (there is a fabulous sketch book held in the archives of Manchester Central Reference Library). But, surely some must have escaped, and are now in the public domain?
Again, as a direct result of being able to access digitally archived information via the internet, my question seems to have been answered.
A notice of a sale by auction was published on December 3rd 1886 in The Manchester Guardian. The auctioneers were Capes, Dunn, and Pilcher of 8 Clarence Street, Manchester. The auction was to be the same day, Friday, at 12 o'clock prompt. The notice read:- Sale of remaining works of the late Mr. Warwick Brookes, distinguished for his beautiful drawings of child life, including many examples in pencil, charcoal and watercolours, both figures and landscapes. These were to be sold together with his small collection of pictures by other artists. Unbelievably perhaps, but the auctioneers, being established in Manchester in 1826, are still thriving as auctioneers of fine art today, see:- Capes Dunn Auctioneers, now at 38 Charles Street Manchester!
This is also further evidence that perhaps some of his work deviated from monochrome pencil drawings of the human form, as some of the lots are listed as landscapes in watercolour.
Footnote: I have since been contacted by a lady in the USA who is lucky enough to own a selection of 6 minatures, approximately 1 inch X 1 inch, which are all enclosed in a single frame. She purchased this whilst working in the UK during the 1970's. They are all pencil drawings signed by the artist, and confirmed as Brookes' work by Christies of London. Each drawing is dated 1863, June 10th - June 16th. The subject being 'Little Red Riding Hood'. I suspect that these were practice sketches, taken from a sketch book to be framed, and possibly drawn in preparation for a future book illustration. There is a full size drawing of 'Red Riding Hood' contained within the pages of 'Pencil Pictures of Child Life'. The Brookes sketch book that is held at the Manchester Central Reference Library, has within its pages, many such minature practice sketches, often of single parts of the human form, drawn over and over, until perfection was obtained. This particular sketch book was donated to the library by the family of Thomas Letherbrow.
Again, as a direct result of being able to access digitally archived information via the internet, my question seems to have been answered.
A notice of a sale by auction was published on December 3rd 1886 in The Manchester Guardian. The auctioneers were Capes, Dunn, and Pilcher of 8 Clarence Street, Manchester. The auction was to be the same day, Friday, at 12 o'clock prompt. The notice read:- Sale of remaining works of the late Mr. Warwick Brookes, distinguished for his beautiful drawings of child life, including many examples in pencil, charcoal and watercolours, both figures and landscapes. These were to be sold together with his small collection of pictures by other artists. Unbelievably perhaps, but the auctioneers, being established in Manchester in 1826, are still thriving as auctioneers of fine art today, see:- Capes Dunn Auctioneers, now at 38 Charles Street Manchester!
This is also further evidence that perhaps some of his work deviated from monochrome pencil drawings of the human form, as some of the lots are listed as landscapes in watercolour.
Footnote: I have since been contacted by a lady in the USA who is lucky enough to own a selection of 6 minatures, approximately 1 inch X 1 inch, which are all enclosed in a single frame. She purchased this whilst working in the UK during the 1970's. They are all pencil drawings signed by the artist, and confirmed as Brookes' work by Christies of London. Each drawing is dated 1863, June 10th - June 16th. The subject being 'Little Red Riding Hood'. I suspect that these were practice sketches, taken from a sketch book to be framed, and possibly drawn in preparation for a future book illustration. There is a full size drawing of 'Red Riding Hood' contained within the pages of 'Pencil Pictures of Child Life'. The Brookes sketch book that is held at the Manchester Central Reference Library, has within its pages, many such minature practice sketches, often of single parts of the human form, drawn over and over, until perfection was obtained. This particular sketch book was donated to the library by the family of Thomas Letherbrow.
Warwick Brookes 1875-1935, yacht racer.
I have already mentioned on his home page that Warwick 1875-1935, businessman and M.P. had an interest in yacht racing, detailing his (brief) ownership of "Westward". Here is an extract from a report in "The Observer" newspaper of June 13th. 1920 detailing his entry in the historic Nore to Dover races.
The Royal Thames Yacht Club arranged two races from Nore* to Dover, (although the actual course on this occasion was to be Southend Pier to Deal, even though the historic name was adhered to). One race was for yachts over 70 tonns Thames tonnage, and the other for yachts between 35 and 70 tonns.
Entries were received for both events, but it was found impossible for some yachts to complete fitting out in time, and only one of the entrants for the bigger event was able to start. To avoid a sail-over, the sailing committee arranged with the owners to start all the vessels in one race.
The schooner "Suzanne" made her first appearance under the racing colours of her new owner, Warwick Brookes. She was scratch boat, (the fastest boat in the fleet with no time allowance), and allowed Mr. J.W Cooke's cutter Thanet 19 mins. 51 secs., and Colonel S.G.L. Bradley's yawl Celia 32 mins. 21 sec.
There was a nice sailing breeze from the East North-East when they started at 11.00am and Suzanne was over the line 14 seconds after gunfire, Celia, 3 seconds later. Thanet was 50 seconds late. They made a reach on the port tack to the Nore, and from there to the Tongue lightship. Suzanne maintained her lead and Celia held on to second place. From the Tongue it was a free reach on the port tack to the Gull lightship, and a run from there to Deal. At the finish it was Suzanne (second prize), 3 hours 54 minutes; Celia (winner), 4 hours 17 minutes and 20 seconds; Thanet was not timed.
* Nore is an area in the Thames estuary, adjacent to Sheerness, <Click>. This alternative course had been run previously when, in 1909, Dover harbour was under construction.
The Royal Thames Yacht Club arranged two races from Nore* to Dover, (although the actual course on this occasion was to be Southend Pier to Deal, even though the historic name was adhered to). One race was for yachts over 70 tonns Thames tonnage, and the other for yachts between 35 and 70 tonns.
Entries were received for both events, but it was found impossible for some yachts to complete fitting out in time, and only one of the entrants for the bigger event was able to start. To avoid a sail-over, the sailing committee arranged with the owners to start all the vessels in one race.
The schooner "Suzanne" made her first appearance under the racing colours of her new owner, Warwick Brookes. She was scratch boat, (the fastest boat in the fleet with no time allowance), and allowed Mr. J.W Cooke's cutter Thanet 19 mins. 51 secs., and Colonel S.G.L. Bradley's yawl Celia 32 mins. 21 sec.
There was a nice sailing breeze from the East North-East when they started at 11.00am and Suzanne was over the line 14 seconds after gunfire, Celia, 3 seconds later. Thanet was 50 seconds late. They made a reach on the port tack to the Nore, and from there to the Tongue lightship. Suzanne maintained her lead and Celia held on to second place. From the Tongue it was a free reach on the port tack to the Gull lightship, and a run from there to Deal. At the finish it was Suzanne (second prize), 3 hours 54 minutes; Celia (winner), 4 hours 17 minutes and 20 seconds; Thanet was not timed.
The schooner Suzanne
* Nore is an area in the Thames estuary, adjacent to Sheerness, <Click>. This alternative course had been run previously when, in 1909, Dover harbour was under construction.
Monday 23 May 2011
Warwick Brookes 1808-1882, details of funeral
Warwick Brookes the artist is buried at Brooklands Cemetery, Sale. Here are details of the occasion which appeared in newspapers at the time.
The funeral was at noon, and the cortège consisting of a hearse and three plain carriages left the deceased gentleman's residence at 4 Egerton Grove, Stretford New Road, and proceeded by Chester Road to Brooklands. In the private carriages were:- Mrs. Brookes (widow), Mr. Warwick Brookes, Mr. Arthur Brookes and Mr. William Terry Brookes, (sons), Mrs. Brotherton, Miss M. Brookes, Miss E. Brookes, (daughters), Mr. Brotherton, (son-in-law), Mr. Thomas Brookes, (brother), Mr. Adam Gentle, (executor), Mr. James Hull, Mr. John Smethurst and The Rev. Edwin Simon, M.A., minister of Zion Independent Chapel, Stretford Road, of which the deceased had been a member for several years.
The coffin was polished oak, covered with floral wreathes, and had a plain brass plate with the inscription, "Warwick Brookes died August 11, 1882, aged 74 years." At the cemetery gates, the cortège was met by following members of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, and other friends:- Mr. Robert Crozier (President), Mr. H.H. Hadfield (Hon. Sec.), Mr. J. Hey Davies, Mr. W. Herbert Johnston, Mr. William Morton, (of the council), Mr. William Percy, Mr. Arthur H. Marsh, Mr. John Holding, Mr. Thomas Letherbrow, Mr. Alfred Goodfellow, Mr. Warwick and Mr. John Brookes, (nephews), Mr. Joseph R. Taylor, Mr. John Evans & Co.
The services in the chapel and at the grave were very impressively conducted by The Rev. Edwin Simon.
A footnote states:- The grave of the old artist is appropriately contiguous to those of two other well known Manchester characters - Mr. Joseph Manchester, and Mr. Charles Calvert, the actor.
A message of condolence was received from Mr. Gladstone. Both the Premier and Mrs. Gladstone were exceedingly kind friends and warm admirers of the distinguished artist, who was frequently a welcome guest at Hawarden.
Read here about Charles Alexander Calvert <Click>.
A link to the archived letters of Robert Crozier is here <Click>
Contemporary photographs of Zion Independent Chapel and the Hulme area are here <Click>.
The funeral was at noon, and the cortège consisting of a hearse and three plain carriages left the deceased gentleman's residence at 4 Egerton Grove, Stretford New Road, and proceeded by Chester Road to Brooklands. In the private carriages were:- Mrs. Brookes (widow), Mr. Warwick Brookes, Mr. Arthur Brookes and Mr. William Terry Brookes, (sons), Mrs. Brotherton, Miss M. Brookes, Miss E. Brookes, (daughters), Mr. Brotherton, (son-in-law), Mr. Thomas Brookes, (brother), Mr. Adam Gentle, (executor), Mr. James Hull, Mr. John Smethurst and The Rev. Edwin Simon, M.A., minister of Zion Independent Chapel, Stretford Road, of which the deceased had been a member for several years.
The coffin was polished oak, covered with floral wreathes, and had a plain brass plate with the inscription, "Warwick Brookes died August 11, 1882, aged 74 years." At the cemetery gates, the cortège was met by following members of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, and other friends:- Mr. Robert Crozier (President), Mr. H.H. Hadfield (Hon. Sec.), Mr. J. Hey Davies, Mr. W. Herbert Johnston, Mr. William Morton, (of the council), Mr. William Percy, Mr. Arthur H. Marsh, Mr. John Holding, Mr. Thomas Letherbrow, Mr. Alfred Goodfellow, Mr. Warwick and Mr. John Brookes, (nephews), Mr. Joseph R. Taylor, Mr. John Evans & Co.
The services in the chapel and at the grave were very impressively conducted by The Rev. Edwin Simon.
A footnote states:- The grave of the old artist is appropriately contiguous to those of two other well known Manchester characters - Mr. Joseph Manchester, and Mr. Charles Calvert, the actor.
A message of condolence was received from Mr. Gladstone. Both the Premier and Mrs. Gladstone were exceedingly kind friends and warm admirers of the distinguished artist, who was frequently a welcome guest at Hawarden.
Read here about Charles Alexander Calvert <Click>.
A link to the archived letters of Robert Crozier is here <Click>
Contemporary photographs of Zion Independent Chapel and the Hulme area are here <Click>.
Sunday 22 May 2011
Extracts from the obituary of Warwick Brookes 1843-1929
Warwick Brookes, photographer of 350 Oxford Road, Manchester died in 1929 aged 85 years. The following are extracts from obituaries that appeared in local newspapers of the time.
Mr. Warwick Brookes died on Saturday at the age of 85, the last of "the old wet-plate" photographers, in Manchester, and probably the whole of the country. Contemporary with the great Lafosse and Edward Ireland, he was one of the trio of pioneering photographers in the days when photography demanded a real knowledge of chemistry, and a degree of genius that is not essential today. About 1864 he started his business in the Cathedral Yard, not far away from Lafosse's studio in Victoria Street. The fact that he was the nephew of an artist whose work had been such as to merit a Government pension helped him considerably in his early days, raising expectations that the photographer would have inherited something of the artist's eye. Clients were not disappointed. As the years went by he showed it more and more, and in his heyday it is said that there was not a man in the country with a better theatrical connection. Among other notabilities, Sir Henry Irving sat for him at least three times, and the reputation of Mr. Warwick Brookes could be counted as nation wide. As he grew old he lost his hearing, but he retained the old genial manner and his deep interest in art, though advancing years caused him to hand over his business to an assistant.
*It is interesting to note that his cousin, the artist's son, also Warwick 1854-1922, set up a photography business much later in Manchester, in Victoria Street, where, earlier, Lafosse had his studio. Could it be the same building? It obviously dismayed the older established Brookes that his cousin was operating under the same name. He often placed disclaimers on his work, making it known that there was no trade connection.
*This is an example of the work of Augustus Frederick Lafosse <Click>, which is held by the National Portrait Gallery collections.
(Lafosse, a Belgian, was awarded the title "Le Chevalier" by his country for his notable work in photography). He is also referred to as "Le Chevalier Lafosse".
*This link provides further information on Edward Ireland <Click>.
The three photographers appeared together in a photograph which accompanied an article in the Manchester Guardian, relating their careers as pioneering photographers. This appeared on page 9 of the October 4th 1929 issue of newspaper, which is available to view on line by members of Manchester Libraries.
Mr. Warwick Brookes died on Saturday at the age of 85, the last of "the old wet-plate" photographers, in Manchester, and probably the whole of the country. Contemporary with the great Lafosse and Edward Ireland, he was one of the trio of pioneering photographers in the days when photography demanded a real knowledge of chemistry, and a degree of genius that is not essential today. About 1864 he started his business in the Cathedral Yard, not far away from Lafosse's studio in Victoria Street. The fact that he was the nephew of an artist whose work had been such as to merit a Government pension helped him considerably in his early days, raising expectations that the photographer would have inherited something of the artist's eye. Clients were not disappointed. As the years went by he showed it more and more, and in his heyday it is said that there was not a man in the country with a better theatrical connection. Among other notabilities, Sir Henry Irving sat for him at least three times, and the reputation of Mr. Warwick Brookes could be counted as nation wide. As he grew old he lost his hearing, but he retained the old genial manner and his deep interest in art, though advancing years caused him to hand over his business to an assistant.
*It is interesting to note that his cousin, the artist's son, also Warwick 1854-1922, set up a photography business much later in Manchester, in Victoria Street, where, earlier, Lafosse had his studio. Could it be the same building? It obviously dismayed the older established Brookes that his cousin was operating under the same name. He often placed disclaimers on his work, making it known that there was no trade connection.
*This is an example of the work of Augustus Frederick Lafosse <Click>, which is held by the National Portrait Gallery collections.
(Lafosse, a Belgian, was awarded the title "Le Chevalier" by his country for his notable work in photography). He is also referred to as "Le Chevalier Lafosse".
*This link provides further information on Edward Ireland <Click>.
The three photographers appeared together in a photograph which accompanied an article in the Manchester Guardian, relating their careers as pioneering photographers. This appeared on page 9 of the October 4th 1929 issue of newspaper, which is available to view on line by members of Manchester Libraries.
Little Tales For Tiny Tots
Little Tales For Tiny Tots is another book, published in 1870, that was illustrated by Warwick Brookes 1808-1882. He designed the covers, and provided 6 illustrations for use within the book.
Again, <Click> here to read this book.
Again, <Click> here to read this book.
Friday 20 May 2011
Brookes family photographs
Here are some family photographs of the Brookes family closer to my time. All are photographs taken at my parent's wedding in 1946.
Doris Berry (Brookes) c1890-1955, my grandmother, and her brother Edgar Brookes c1895-1977. My grandfather Clifford Berry b1888 passed away in 1933.
Edgar and Doris with Edna Ronson, (Doris Edna, (Berry) 1916-1993, Jeff's sister) and far right Annie Brookes, (Briggs, 1904-2000, Edgar's wife).
Left-right:- Margaret Brookes c1930, (Edgar's daughter), the current Warwick Brookes c1934, (Edgar's son), Winifred Smith, (Brookes, 1897-1973, Edgar's sister), her son Brian, who sadly passed away aged 18yrs, and her daughter Pauline c1939. Winifred was married to Allan Smith c1895, who didn't attend my parent's wedding, where this photograph originates.
My great grandfather, William Terry Brookes 1864-1923 and my great grandmother Hannah Langley c1865 had the following children:- Doris 1890-1955, (my grandmother), William Langley c1891, Margaret 1893-1920, Edgar c1895-1977, Winifred 1897-1973
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Pencil Pictures of Child Life
After the death in 1882 of Warwick Brookes, Artist, his friend and fellow artist, Thomas Letherbrow, a member of the art society that met above Roses's china shop on King Street Manchester, wrote biographical reminiscences of his friend for the book Pencil Pictures of Child Life, which includes illustrations of Brookes' work throughout. You can read this book on line here: <Click>.
Other books illustrated by Brookes, Little Tales For Tiny Tots, and Marjorie Fleming a Sketch can also be read on line on this site. Click the name "Warwick Brookes" to see the list in the available titles.
Other books illustrated by Brookes, Little Tales For Tiny Tots, and Marjorie Fleming a Sketch can also be read on line on this site. Click the name "Warwick Brookes" to see the list in the available titles.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
Thomas Brookes 1814-1883
Warwick Brookes 1808-1882, artist, had a younger brother, Thomas, who was the father of Warwick Brookes 1843-1829, photographer of 350 Oxford Road, Manchester, and thus the grandfather of Warwick the MP, Blanche, and Gordon Byron.
He is buried in Southern Cemetery, Manchester, along with his wife, Jane d1888, son Ralph d1890, his sister Mary d1897, and his daughter-in-law, Mary d1928, who was also the wife of Warwick the Oxford Road photographer.
He is buried in Southern Cemetery, Manchester, along with his wife, Jane d1888, son Ralph d1890, his sister Mary d1897, and his daughter-in-law, Mary d1928, who was also the wife of Warwick the Oxford Road photographer.
Southern Cemetery plot number F1291
Sunday 15 May 2011
Manchester City News in memoriam Warwick Brookes 1808-1882
This is the concluding article in memoriam of Warwick Brookes, 1808-1882, Manchester Artist. It appeared in the September 9th. 1882 edition of the Manchester City News.
Friday 13 May 2011
Manchester City News in memoriam Warwick Brookes 1808-1882
This is part 2 of the article printed in The Manchester City News on September 2nd. 1882. The third and final part will be posted in the near future.
Wednesday 11 May 2011
Manchester City News in memoriam Warwick Brookes 1808-1882
The following is the first of a three part in memoriam article which was printed in three editions of the Manchester City News on August 26th. 1882, September 2nd. 1882 and September 9th. 1882.
Subsequently this article was reproduced into individually leather bound books, with illustrations of Brookes' drawings pasted on to pages that intermingled with the text. The illustrations are photographed reproductions, not plate printed, and as such I believe them to be from the sets of photographic reproductions of his drawings that he was selling to provide himself with an income during illness in the latter part of his life.
Due to the "handmade" nature of this book, I believe it to have been put together on request by family and friends. I am lucky enough to own a copy, which, from the scripted signature in the front cover, once belonged to Wm. Gurney, who it appears had some relationship with the artist Frederick Shields, as he had pasted a 1911 newspaper cutting of Shields' obituary into the front cover which makes mention of work done by Shields on commission to Mrs. Russell Gurney. <Click> whose husband, in 1856 became Recorder of London, and was also Member of Parliament for Southampton. This is part 1 of the article, I hope to transcribe, and post the other two in the near future.
Subsequently this article was reproduced into individually leather bound books, with illustrations of Brookes' drawings pasted on to pages that intermingled with the text. The illustrations are photographed reproductions, not plate printed, and as such I believe them to be from the sets of photographic reproductions of his drawings that he was selling to provide himself with an income during illness in the latter part of his life.
Due to the "handmade" nature of this book, I believe it to have been put together on request by family and friends. I am lucky enough to own a copy, which, from the scripted signature in the front cover, once belonged to Wm. Gurney, who it appears had some relationship with the artist Frederick Shields, as he had pasted a 1911 newspaper cutting of Shields' obituary into the front cover which makes mention of work done by Shields on commission to Mrs. Russell Gurney. <Click> whose husband, in 1856 became Recorder of London, and was also Member of Parliament for Southampton. This is part 1 of the article, I hope to transcribe, and post the other two in the near future.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Newspaper cuttings from the life of Eugen Sandow 1867-1925
Many useful facts can be gained from contemporary newpaper cuttings. Here are some interesting facts that can be taken from The Times newspaper cuttings about Sandow's business and family events:
From the forthcoming marriages column in The Times, announcing Lorraine Sandow's engagement.
The bankruptcy notice relating to Sandow.
Sandow's Times obituary.
Notice in The Times (16th October 1925) regarding Sandow's funeral.
Much information can be gained from searching newspaper archives, and as Sandow was world famous, he appears in hundreds of archived articles. The UK Times is full of them, as is this, The British Newspaper Archive.
Newspaper cuttings from the life of Warwick Brookes 1875-1935 MP
Here are some further photographs, and news clips from The Times, relating to the life of Warwick the MP.
This is Suffolk Street, London SW1, the street where Warwick's London residence was.
This is the actual residence, to the rear of Her Majesty's Theatre. Off Pall Mall, it is within walking distance to Whitehall.
Warwick led a colourful life to the full. This is a divorce case listed in The Times, in which he was involved. Warwick married Beatrice in 1900.
The notice of his death, clipped from The Times.
Again from The Times, details of his funeral. He is buried at Cowes Isle Of Wight, where he passed away during yacht racing at Cowes Week.
Monday 9 May 2011
Another example of published work by Warwick Brookes 1808-1882
Here is further evidence of Warwick's work as a published book illustrator. This one is from "A Round of Days".
This is a book of poems. published in 1866, with illustrations from various well known artists of the time, including Warwick Brookes. Here is his contribution:
As his subjects were usually from his immediate surroundings and his own family, it is likely that the two children here are his own.
This is a book of poems. published in 1866, with illustrations from various well known artists of the time, including Warwick Brookes. Here is his contribution:
Thursday 5 May 2011
The Sagar Line
The parents of my Grt. Grt. Grandfather, Warwick Brookes 1808-1882, were Ralph Brookes 1790- and Eleanor Sagar 1786-1853.
This is where my link to the Sagar line commences. This is the line that it is said, (even as far back as being mentioned in the 1882 published memoriam to Warwick Brookes), to have a family connection with The Earl of Warwick, The King Maker, from The Wars of the Roses. Many first born sons in the Sagar, and then the Brookes lines are named Warwick as a result. I haven't yet been able to prove this.
What I do know, however, is that the Sagars have within their family, a well known group of clock makers, from Askrigg, North Yorkshire and other areas of northern England. Edmund Sagar 1746-1805 is one of these. He is Eleanor Sagar's uncle.
Various examples of Sagar Clocks. These can still be readily found in the marketplace today.
Another Brookes family name comes through the Sagar Line. My Grt. Grandfather, William Terry Brookes 1864-1923 is named after one of his own ancestors, Mary Terry c1750. Mary was the second wife of Warwick Sagar c1737, and therefore, William's Grt. Grandmother. Warwick and Mary had three children, one of which was Eleanor, his Grandmother. Warwick's first wife was Anne Fawcit 1728-1782, with whom he had 7 children.
This is where my link to the Sagar line commences. This is the line that it is said, (even as far back as being mentioned in the 1882 published memoriam to Warwick Brookes), to have a family connection with The Earl of Warwick, The King Maker, from The Wars of the Roses. Many first born sons in the Sagar, and then the Brookes lines are named Warwick as a result. I haven't yet been able to prove this.
What I do know, however, is that the Sagars have within their family, a well known group of clock makers, from Askrigg, North Yorkshire and other areas of northern England. Edmund Sagar 1746-1805 is one of these. He is Eleanor Sagar's uncle.
Another Brookes family name comes through the Sagar Line. My Grt. Grandfather, William Terry Brookes 1864-1923 is named after one of his own ancestors, Mary Terry c1750. Mary was the second wife of Warwick Sagar c1737, and therefore, William's Grt. Grandmother. Warwick and Mary had three children, one of which was Eleanor, his Grandmother. Warwick's first wife was Anne Fawcit 1728-1782, with whom he had 7 children.
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Edward Allen Brotherton, 1st Baron Brotherton 1856-1930
Warwick Brookes, artist 1808-1882, had amongst his children, a daughter, Mary Jane 1857-1883.
She married Edward Allen Brotherton <Click> in 1882. Sadly, in 1883, during childbirth, she died. The child, a girl died too. He never remarried, but maintained contact with our family for the rest of his life.
Mary Jane is buried, next to her father Warwick, in Brooklands Cemetery, Sale, Cheshire.
He was educated at Owens College, Manchester, Lancashire, England, and was a chemical manufacturer, which included making high explosives during the First World War. He held the office of Mayor of Wakefield between 1902 and 1903, and held the office of Member of Parliament (Conservative) for Wakefield between 1902 and 1910. He held the office of Lord Mayor of Leeds between 1913 and 1914. In 1914 he raised the West Yorkshire Regiment at his own expense. He gained the rank of Honorary Colonel in the service of the 15th Service Battalion. He again held the office of Member of Parliament (Conservative) for Wakefield between 1918 and 1922, and was created 1st Baronet Brotherton, of Wakefield, co. York on 27 June 1918. He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Law (LL.D.) by Leeds University, Leeds, Yorkshire, West Riding, England, and was invested as a Fellow, Society of Antiquaries (F.S.A.). He was created 1st Baron Brotherton, of Wakefield, co. York on 17 June 1929.
On his death, his titles became extinct.
She married Edward Allen Brotherton <Click> in 1882. Sadly, in 1883, during childbirth, she died. The child, a girl died too. He never remarried, but maintained contact with our family for the rest of his life.
Mary Jane is buried, next to her father Warwick, in Brooklands Cemetery, Sale, Cheshire.
Edward Allen Brotherton, 1st and last Baron Brotherton was born on 1 April 1856 at Ardwick Green, Manchester, England. He was the son of Theophilus Brotherton, and died on 21 October 1930 aged 74 at Kirkham Abbey, Malton, Yorkshire, England, still a widower. He was buried on 24 October 1930 at Lawnswood Cemetery, Leeds, Yorkshire, West Riding, England.
On his death, his titles became extinct.
 |
| Warwick and Eliza Brookes, parents of Mary Jane. |
 |
| Mary Jane next to her parents. |
Frederick Shields 1883-1911
The book I own, which has provided us with much information, contains text that was written in memoriam to Warwick Brookes 1808-1882, artist, just after his death. Much of the information contained within it was provided by Thomas Letherbrow, a friend and fellow artist. Letherbrow also provided biographical reminiscences of Brookes in the book "Warwick Brookes Pencil Pictures Of Child Life".
Brookes mixed with the Manchester artists of the time, including William Hull 1820-1880 <Click> and was known to the members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood <Click>, and Frederick Shields <Click>. Brookes is mentioned in context with these artists in documents that are held in The National Archives, including the reproduction on Warwick's own page above, from the "Life and Letters of Frederick Shields". According to the text of the Manchester City News article, he and Warwick Brookes 1808-1882 became good friends later in Brookes' life.
Inside the front cover of my book is a signature, Wm. Gurney. Also pasted into the front cover is a newspaper clip of the obituary to Frederick Shields, as printed in The Daily Mail, after his death in 1911. The content is as follows:
DEATH OF MR. F. SHIELDS.
Mr. Frederick Shields, the well known artist and book illustrator, died on Sunday at his residence, Morayfield, Merton, Surrey aged seventy seven.
He was one of the survivors of that wonderful circle of famous men which has left so deep a mark on Victorian literature and art. Among his personal friends were Ruskin, Burne-Jones, Rossetti, and Holman Hunt. Mr. Shields illustrated The Pilgrim's Progress and Defoe's Plague of London, but the crowning achievement of his career was the adornment of The Chapel of The Ascension, Hyde Park Place which originated in the wish of the late Mrs. Russell Gurney to provide passers by with a place for scriptual instruction by means of pictures as well as for rest. The 200 paintings took 14 years to complete. Mr. Shields began his career in Manchester as a designer for decorative lithography. Before his work obtained the notice it deserved, the artist had many struggles. At one time he executed chalk drawings of his father's friends at 7 shillings each.
From The Daily Mail February 28th 1911.
Mentioned in the text is "The late Mrs. Russell Gurney". I have found links between Russell Gurney <Click> and Shields, as mentioned in the obituary, and this also fits in with the fact that Brookes was mixing with society, and visiting their country houses at weekends. However, I have so far been unable to establish a link with the owner of my book, William Gurney.
Brookes mixed with the Manchester artists of the time, including William Hull 1820-1880 <Click> and was known to the members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood <Click>, and Frederick Shields <Click>. Brookes is mentioned in context with these artists in documents that are held in The National Archives, including the reproduction on Warwick's own page above, from the "Life and Letters of Frederick Shields". According to the text of the Manchester City News article, he and Warwick Brookes 1808-1882 became good friends later in Brookes' life.
Inside the front cover of my book is a signature, Wm. Gurney. Also pasted into the front cover is a newspaper clip of the obituary to Frederick Shields, as printed in The Daily Mail, after his death in 1911. The content is as follows:
DEATH OF MR. F. SHIELDS.
Mr. Frederick Shields, the well known artist and book illustrator, died on Sunday at his residence, Morayfield, Merton, Surrey aged seventy seven.
He was one of the survivors of that wonderful circle of famous men which has left so deep a mark on Victorian literature and art. Among his personal friends were Ruskin, Burne-Jones, Rossetti, and Holman Hunt. Mr. Shields illustrated The Pilgrim's Progress and Defoe's Plague of London, but the crowning achievement of his career was the adornment of The Chapel of The Ascension, Hyde Park Place which originated in the wish of the late Mrs. Russell Gurney to provide passers by with a place for scriptual instruction by means of pictures as well as for rest. The 200 paintings took 14 years to complete. Mr. Shields began his career in Manchester as a designer for decorative lithography. Before his work obtained the notice it deserved, the artist had many struggles. At one time he executed chalk drawings of his father's friends at 7 shillings each.
From The Daily Mail February 28th 1911.
Mentioned in the text is "The late Mrs. Russell Gurney". I have found links between Russell Gurney <Click> and Shields, as mentioned in the obituary, and this also fits in with the fact that Brookes was mixing with society, and visiting their country houses at weekends. However, I have so far been unable to establish a link with the owner of my book, William Gurney.
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