Background
VILLIERS, Frederic was born on April 23, 1852 in London. 2nd son of Henry Villiers and Caroline, daughter of Thomas Bradley.
VILLIERS, Frederic was born on April 23, 1852 in London. 2nd son of Henry Villiers and Caroline, daughter of Thomas Bradley.
Studied at Guines, Pas - de - Calais, France. Studied art at the British Museum and the South Kensington Schools, 1869-1870.
Admitted as student at the Royal Academy, 1871. Exhibitor of war pictures at the Royal Academy aud the Institute of Painters in Oil Colours, Piccadilly. Recipient of twelve English and foreign war medals, clasps, and decorations.
War artist for the Graphic. In Servia. 1876; with the Russians in Turkey, 1877. With the Russians at Passage of the Danube, Biela, Plevna, Shipka.
Afghanistan— Gadamuck and the Bazaar Valley, 1878. Then round the World. With Lord Beresford on the Condor, El Magfa, Tel-el-Kebir, 1882.
Invited by the Tzar Alexander III. to his coronation in Moscow, 1883. The Eastern Soudan—at Tokar, in the Broken Square at Tamai, 1884. With Admiral Sir William Hewitt on his Mission to King John of Abyssinia.
Up the Nile for the Relief of Khartoum, twice wrecked, 1884. With Stewart across the Desert—the Battles of Abu Klea and Gubat, 1885. With the Servians invading Bulgaria, 1886.
Burma, 1887; across Canada with the Governor-General. Then on a lecture tour through America, Canada, and British Isles. Chicago Exhibition, 1892.
As special artist for Black and White, New York Herald, San Francisco Examiner, and the London Standard, with the Japanese army, Battles of Ping Yang and the march on and taking of Port Arthur, 1894. A tour round the world lecturing, 1895. Coronation of Nicholas II. at Moscow, 1896.
In April 1897 joined Greek army for Standard during short campaign between that country and Turkey. During armistice visited Crete. Used the cine matograph camera for first time in history of campaigning during the war.
Also introduced bicycle for first time in any European campaign. Was one of war correspondents to open the trade route of Eastern Soudan on march from Berber to Suakin. Joined Sirdar s army on its march to Omdurman for the Illustrated London News and Globe, 1898.
Present at battle which finally crushed the Khalifa. Lectured on that campaign throughout the United Kingdom and the Antipodes. Left Australia with the Colonial Contingent for the South African War, 1899, again for Illustrated London News.
After occupation of Pretoria returned and then for fourth time started for Antipodes. Left for Far East beginning of 1904. With Jap forces for Illustrated London News and syndicate of daily papers.
Only war artist present at the siege of Port 2066 Arthur. Joined the Spanish army operating in Morocco, 1909. War artist, correspondent.
Club: Arts.
Cycling, golf, motoring.