Edward Charles Williams was an English landscape painter during the Victorian Era, and a member of the Williams family of painters.
Background
He was the eldest son of the painter Edward Williams (1781–1855) and Ann Hildebrandt (c1780–1851), and a member of the Williams family of painters, who were related to such famous artists as James Ward Research Associate and George Morland. His father was a well-known landscape artist, who taught him how to paint. Otherwise he received no formal instruction.
He adopted much of his father"s style and technique, and like the other painters of his family, he devoted himself to landscapes, producing rich and tranquil views of Barnes, Cumberland, Kent, Surrey and the Thames.
Career
His paintings are now highly sought after. Some suggest that he suffered a breakdown after his wife"s death, given his choice of subjects in these later years. The location of three of these post-1859 works are unknown, and they are assumed lost during two world wars.
He signed some of his work as East Williams, which leads to confusion with his father, who painted in a similar style, and at times he signed as C Williams to purposely avoid such confusion.
Edward Charles also collaborated on several paintings with William Shayer, where Williams would paint the landscape, and Shayer would add in figures and animals. His Near Wantage, Berkshire is an good example.
He died 25 July 1881 at Shepherds Bush in London. The Williams Family
Edward Charles Williams was born into an artist family that is sometimes referred to as the Barnes School.
His father and five surviving brothers (listed below) were all noted landscape painters during the Victorian era.
Three of the sons of Edward Williams changed their last names to protect the identity of their art Edward Williams (father)
Henry John Boddington
George Augustus Williams
Arthur Gilbert
Sidney Richard Percy
Alfred Walter Williams.