Jump to content

Dictionary of National Biography, 1901 supplement/Wimperis, Edmund Morison

From Wikisource
1411691Dictionary of National Biography, 1901 supplement, Volume 3 — Wimperis, Edmund Morison1901Campbell Dodgson

WIMPERIS, EDMUND MORISON (1835–1900), water-colour painter, eldest son of Edmund Richard Wimperis, cashier of Messrs. Walker, Parker, & Co.'s lead works at Chester, and Marv Morison, was born at Flocker's Brook, Chester, on 6 Feb. 1835. He came early in life to London, and was trained as a wood-engraver and draughtsman on wood under Myles Birket Foster [q. v. Suppl.] He did much for the 'Illustrated London News' and other periodicals and books. He was an indifferent figure draughtsman, and confined himself to landscape when he adopted painting as his profession. He was a member of the Society of British Artists from 1870 to 1874. He began in 1866 to contribute to the Institute of Painters in Water-colours the pretty landscapes in the manner of Birket Foster or of David Cox in his tamer moods, by which he is chiefly known. They are neat and finished, but somewhat characterless and old-fashioned in technique. In later life he also painted in oils. Wimperis was elected an associate of the institute in 1873, a full member on 3 May 1875, and vice-president on 1 April 1895. He took an active part in the affairs of the institute, and in those of the Artists' Benevolent Fund.

He was married on 11 April 1863 to Anne Harry, daughter of Thomas Edmonds of Penzance, and left a family of two sons and two daughters at his death, which tool place at Southbourne, Christchurch, Hampshire, on 25 Dec. 1900.

[Times. 28 Dec. 1900; Athenæum, 5 Jan 1901; private information.]