John Masey Wright OWS, Visit to the Grandfather – early 19th-century watercolour
John Masey Wright OWS, Visit to the Grandfather – early 19th-century watercolour
John Masey Wright OWS, Visit to the Grandfather – early 19th-century watercolour
John Masey Wright OWS, Visit to the Grandfather – early 19th-century watercolour

John Masey Wright OWS Visit to the Grandfather

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View the full Collection: Wright OWS, John Masey (1777–1866)

An original early 19th-century watercolour painting, John Masey Wright OWS, Visit to the Grandfather.

A delightfully heartwarming scene by John Masey Wright OWS (1777–1866), titled by the artist 'Visit to the Grandfather'. Painted in sepia wash with graphite underdrawing, this work exemplifies Wright's talent for communicating drama and emotion despite the small scale and modest colouring of his choice of medium.

Wright's reputation rests upon his small, delicately rendered compositions illustrating Shakespeare and other poets. He was deeply involved in the theatrical world of early 19th-century London, living in Bishop's Walk, Lambeth, at that time the theatrical quarter, and working as a scene painter at the opera house. It is said that his love of literature was such that his son recalled how, during an illness, he broke out in his sleep reciting long passages from Shakespeare.

Presented in a handsome wash line mount.

Provenance: From the Collection of Dr E.M. Brett of Hampstead. Abbott & Holder, 30 Museum Street, WC1A 1LH.

In brown wash with graphite underdrawing.

+ Read the Artist Research

John Masey Wright OWS (1777–1866)

John Masey Wright OWS (1777–1866) was born in Pentonville, London where his father was an organ-builder. He had a remarkable ear for music and was initially apprenticed to the same business, but was dismissed for making sketches on the organ pipes. Turning then to art as a career, he spent time in the studio of Thomas Stothard, whose illustrations were to have a profound influence on Wright's style.

Wright married and moved to Lambeth in 1810, where he shared a house in Bishop's Walk with the marine painter John 'Jock' Wilson. Wilson introduced Wright into the local circle of theatrical managers and designers, and Wright obtained work with Henry Aston Barker at the Stand Panorama and as a scene-painter at Covent Garden and at His Majesty's Theatre.

Wright was elected an associate of the Society of Painters in Water Colours in 1824, and became a full member in the following year. From that time he made a living as an exhibiting watercolourist and illustrator of literary subjects, producing illustrations for such annuals as Literary Souvenir and Amulet, and also for editions of Shakespeare, Scott, Burns and others.

Wright unfortunately was too generous and liberal with his money, and he suffered considerable financial hardship into old age, obliging him to work until the end of his life. He was dependent upon charitable payments from the Old Watercolour Society and a small life annuity from the Royal Academy until his death in 1866.

His work can be found in the collections of the British Museum, Royal Academy, V&A, Yale Center for British Art, and the Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington.

COA
+ Artwork Details

Dimensions: Height: 21cm (8.27") Width: 16cm (6.3")

Presented: In a cream wash line mount (37.4 x 30.5 cm), with separate accompanying historic dealer’s label. Unframed.

Medium: Watercolour

Age: Early 19th-century

Signed: Initialled lower right and verso.

Inscribed: Inscribed verso.

Dated: --

Condition: In very good condition for its age. There is minor mount burn at the periphery, covered by the current mount. Age toning and scattered foxing visible on the verso, which does not adversely affect the front. Please see photos for detail.

Stock number: JW-603