William COOK
Born in Plymouth in 1840, the younger son of the artist Samuel COOK and his wife Elizabeth. After his father died he is to be found working as a painter in the family decorating business but by 1871 he is described in the census as an artist.
His work is nearly always signed with the initials WC and dated, which gives a period of 1870-90 when he was active. His work is characterised by his distinctive use of a palette predominately of pink and green and brown. His middle name is variously spelt Gooding, Gooden or Goodwin although he never appeared to use that initial on his work.
He lived at various addresses in Plymouth and travelled around Devon and Cornwall painting. He exhibited four works of Cornwall at Royal Society of British artists. He died in Plymouth at the age of 57 in 1897.
media
Watercolour artist
works and access
Works include: The Beach at Newquay; Lion Rock, Kynance Cove; Polperro Harbour; St Michael's Mount (w/c signed 13 1/2" x 21")
references
Antique Collectors Club (1976) Dictionary of British artists up to 1920 H L Mallalieu
Elford Fine Art Sales Catalogue, Tavistock 2005 (St Michael's Mount)
Tovey, David (2021) Polperro - Cornwall's Forgotten Art Centre - Volume One - Pre-1920, Wilson Books
Wood (1995) Victorian Painters;
(Title of painting found on internet sales site)