Lot 87: AR Walter Ernest Webster, RI, ROI (British, 1878-1959) Rhododendrons

Walter Ernest Webster, RI, ROI (British, 1878-1959)
Rhododendrons signed 'WEBSTER' (lower left)oil on canvas74.9 x 63.5cm (29 1/2 x 25in).

Provenance: Acquired by the current owner's grandfather. Walter Ernest Webster was a figure and portrait painter and also a successful illustrator. Born in Manchester in 1878, he won a scholarship to study at the National Art Training Schools (which became the Royal College of Art) before attending the Royal Academy Schools from January 1899 to 1904. Webster exhibited at the Royal Academy almost every year until his death in May 1959. He also exhibited at Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Royal Glasgow Institute and Paris Salon, where he was awarded bronze and silver medals and a gold in 1931.Webster's work can be seen in many public collections including The Walker Art Gallery, Gallery Oldham, Paisley Museum and Art Galleries and The Government Art Collection, which holds Webster's portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.