
Masters of the Moor: William and FJ Widgery
The scenery of Dartmoor and South Devon as depicted by father and son landscape painters William and FJ Widgery.
Both painters lived and worked in Devon throughout their careers. William Widgery (1826-1893) was entirely self-taught and developed an atmospheric style well suited to large-scale work.
By contrast, his son, FJ (1861-1942), received formal art training at home and abroad. His more precise draughtsmanship was ideal for small-scale work and illustration. Though high-spirited and sociable, William seems to have been totally dedicated to painting. FJ, though a very productive artist, found time to be involved in Exeter politics and the running of RAMM. Both men drew life-long inspiration from the landscape of Devon and, above all, from Dartmoor.
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