Williams, W.

Introduction:

W. Williams was one of several artists of the same name and initial in the period 1800-1810 (as recorded by Benezit, Graves and Foskett). Therefore, the possible identification of Williams with one of these other artists should be considered.

There are no biographical details known for W Williams, and very little about his career. McKecknie records a silhouette of an officer on convex glass bearing a trade label. On this label, we learn that W Williams travelled to work as a profilist. He advertised that he was ‘from London’, he was offering his services as a profilist on ‘china, Paste, on Convex Glasses and on the Gold Bronze’ and ‘his stay in Truro will be short’. Nothing else is known about the background of W Williams.

There are only two silhouettes ascribed to W Williams. The first is on convex glass as recorded by McKecknie. This is painted in black with gilding on the uniform and collar facings detailed in Chinese white. McKecknie believes that Williams used a needle to indicate the detail of the uniform and the shape of the buttons. The second silhouette is part of Diana Joll’s silhouette collection. It is painted on card in black with lavish gilding on the hair and clothes of the male sitter. This silhouette is smaller than most of this period being only 2.25in in height. It is just possible to make out the words ‘W Williams, Strand’ on the back.