George Spencer Watson RA, Mary

Mary, 1932

George Spencer Watson RA (1869 - 1934)

RA Collection: Art

Portrait of the artist's daughter Mary (aged nineteen), who went on to become a sculptor, living and working on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.

Mary Spencer Watson began experimenting in sculpture from the age of twelve. As a teenager she was given a bunker and some tools by Purbeck quarrymen, who showed her how to work the stone. She studied at Bournemouth School of Art (1928-1930), the Slade (1930) and Royal Academy Schools before attending Central School of Arts & Crafts (1934).She worked with John Skeaping at London Zoo. Following her studies in London she moved to Paris where she studied woodcarving under Ossip Zadkine (1890-1967). Spencer Watson had her first solo exhibition at Heals' Mansard Gallery, London in 1937. She first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1945.

Her sculptures include 'Cheiron teaching a young Hero' (1953; Harrow New Town), 'Musician', (1955; Corfe Castle, Dorset) and a pair of angels in limewood for Guildford Cathedral (1957).

Object details

Title
Mary
Artist/designer
Date
1932
Object type
Painting
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions

915 mm x 713 mm

Collection
Royal Academy of Arts
Object number
03/1040
Acquisition
Diploma Work given by George Spencer Watson RA accepted 1932

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