Dawlish Warren

About Frederick J. Widgery

Frederick J. Widgery, the son of artist William Widgery, was born in Exeter in 1861. Widgery, from a young age, displayed his father’s aptitude for art. As a result he was enrolled at the Exeter School of Art and then the South Kensington Museum School before travelling to Antwerp to study under the famed Belgian painter, Charles Verlat, at the National Art School.  After several years abroad Widgery  returned to England to conclude his study at Royal Academy exhibitior, Professor Hubert von Herkomer’s, School at Bushey in Hertfordshire.

Following his thorough education, Widgery began painting professionally, establishing his own studio in London in 1889. As a painter, Widgery enjoyed considerable success, and is best remembered for his watercolours of Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Devon coastline. Widgery supplied the Samuel Coombs Gallery in London with many gouche watercolours. His reputation spread to America, Australia and other places overseas, and even now, there is a healthy trade for his paintings. He had six paintings exhibited at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, five at the Royal Academy and three at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. In his later years Widgery became a prominent and active councillor and eventually Mayor of Exeter. After a full life devoted to painting and public service, F J Widgery spent his last months in a nursing home, and died on 27th January 1942 at the age of 81.