Richard Wilson

The founder of British landscape painting who came to settle in Mold.

Born:

1714

Place of Birth:

Machynlleth

School:

Educated by parents

Trivia:

One of the largest collections of Wilson's artworks are held in the galleries of Yale in the United States, which fellow Welshman Elihu Yale helped found.

Biography:

Have you ever wondered who painted the distinctive pub sign which hangs outside the 'We Three Loggerheads' pub near Mold? Richard Wilson, a contemporary of such painters as Sir Joshua Reynolds, was responsible for the original pub sign.

Among his many achievements were the founding of the Royal Academy and the pioneering of the genre of landscape painting in Britain. Originally from near Machynlleth, Wilson moved to Mold when his father, the Vicar of Penegoes, died.

As a boy he showed prodigious talent as an artist, and in 1729 he went to London to become a portrait painter. He studied in Venice and Rome for many years before returning to London in 1757, prior to his most prolific period of work which spanned the years 1760 - 1768. This period culminated in his founding the Royal Academy.

In 1769 Wilson was commissioned by local landowner Sir Watkin Williams-Wynne to paint two landscape paintings, 'The View Near Wynnstay' and 'Castle of Dinas Bran from Llangollen'. However, after this period Wilson's fortunes declined and he became impoverished, partly relieved by his appointment to the post of Librarian to the Royal Academy in 1776.

In 1781 Wilson returned to Wales, settling in Mold. He died in Colomendy, and is buried in Mold churchyrad, next to his mother. By the time of his death in 1782 his reputation had declined, but his work is now known to have been a profound influence on many artists, among them the likes of JMW Turner and John Constable.

Moment of Glory:

Establishing the Royal Academy, and leaving a legacy which continues to influence to this day.

Off the Record:

Several portrait painters of Wilson's day, such as Sir Joshua Wilson, are said to have conspired against him in order to discredit his reputation.

TOP PHOTO: Shows his tomb at St Mary's Church, Mold

your comments

Dickerson, Kim Park City, Utah
My husband and I just purchased an impressionist painting from a British antique collection. We are wondering if Richard Wilson may be the artist. The signature is signed "Rich" in red paint. Would anyone know? Thank you!
Thu Aug 28 07:06:06 2008

Jeff Collins
My wife's side of the family claim descent from Wilson. They are a Mold family. Does anyone, particularly some of your previous correspondents, have any information about Wilson's family in the Mold/Flintshire area?
Tue Dec 18 14:53:57 2007

Thomas Bithell
I have a portrait of Richard Edward Wilson.
Mon Sep 10 09:25:04 2007

Carol Lench, Kent
Could anyone tell me what a Richard Wilson painting would be worth please?
Tue Aug 21 12:29:05 2007

Owain Wilson, High Wycombe
I am directly descended from Richard Wilson, if you need any family tree info please contact me. Our tree has been traced back to 1066. Regards, Owain
Wed May 31 14:18:44 2006

Big Maz Maeshafn
I love Richard Wilson's work and then his great nephew jointly co-founded the Beach Boys. What a talented family.
Wed Mar 22 15:11:39 2006

John Hegarty from Blore Heath
We live 2 miles from the "Loggerheads" pub in Loggerheads, Staffs. It would be good to have more info about the Loggerheads pub sign in Mold mentioned - who the "Loggerheads" are or what the term means. OUr understanding is that the term (applied to our pub at least) refers to fools or "logheads".
Mon Mar 20 11:26:39 2006

Sam Reeve, Cwmbran.
I am on a mission to prove lineage with Richard Wilson also, through his brothers and sisters. Have some info... need more regarding John. Think he came to Cardiff and married? not sure...Help!
Sat Jan 21 17:28:02 2006

Meurig Jenkins, Bridgend
I'm trying to trace my mother's family tree back to Richard Wilson. Family "knowledge" makes the link, but I need a proper paper trail.I cannot get much information abour Wilson's brothers and sister. They are the missing link.
Thu Dec 29 08:11:25 2005

James Farmer, Norbury, Cheshire.
Thoroughly enjoyed my time in Mold.
Mon Feb 21 11:50:20 2005

Kay
Very interesting.
Fri Nov 12 14:04:58 2004

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