William Widgery
1826 - 1893

William Widgery started his working life as a stonemason and plasterer. After moving to Exeter, he started painting in his spare time, starting by copying the engravings of Landseer, but it was not long before he was painting in his own style, whilst out in the local countryside. He received no formal art training, but with encouragement by his friends, he grew in confidence. At times, his work was so sought after, that it was being purchased before he had removed it from the easel!