Walter Taylor (British, 1860-1943)

The palace at Fontainebleau

Oil on canvas

Signed `Walter Taylor’ (lower right)

25 x 30 in. (63.5 x 76.3 cm.)

Born in Leeds, Walter Taylor was trained as an architect but eventually found his calling in painting town scenes, landscapes, and interiors using both oil and watercolour. With a privileged upbringing thanks to his tobacco manufacturer father, he attended art school in Paris before studying under Fred Brown at the Royal College of Art.

In 1899, Taylor married Hylda Matheson, but their honeymoon ended in tragedy with her untimely death. He eventually settled in Bedford Square, Brighton, during the 1910s and 1920s, but maintained a studio at 18 Fitzroy Street in London from 1915 onwards.

A prominent figure in the art world, Taylor was a founder member and secretary of the Camden Town Group, a member of the New English Art Club, and one of the founding members of the London Group in 1913. He exhibited with the London Group until 1934, showcasing his work that often drew inspiration from his travels in Europe, which sometimes included the company of fellow artist Walter Sickert. Additionally, he painted extensively in London, Brighton, and Hove.

Taylor also had a keen eye for collecting works by other artists, amassing an important collection that included pieces by Matisse, Bonnard, Vuillard, Dufy, Gilman, Matthew Smith, and Gertler. His first solo exhibition was held in 1911 at the Grafton Gallery in London, and he continued to exhibit there throughout his career. A memorial show was held at The Leicester Galleries in London in 1944 to commemorate Taylor’s life and work.