Description

A pleasing watercolour landscape of Plymouth Sound by the well listed artist, Wilfred Moody Fryer. Figures can be seen scattered across this green opening, close to the water. A variety of boats have been captured on the water, with docklands and smoking factory chimneys in the distance. The artist has signed to the lower right-hand corner. The painting is well presented in a double mount and glazed, gilt-effect frame. On watercolour paper.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration. The frame and mount are in fine condition.

Biography

Wilfred Moody Fryer studied at the Bradford College of Art and at the age of 18 was the only student in his year to be selected for an apprenticeship in the art department of a local printing firm. In 1914, after five formative years learning his craft and newly married, he moved with his wife to Parkview Road Croydon, where he lived for the rest of his life. For the next ten years he undertook advertising work in London, tackling a variety of subjects in almost every graphic medium, becoming adaptable and versatile.

In 1933 he became a freelance commercial artist and also began to dedicate more time to his own private drawing and painting, being especially good at figure subjects. In 1946 he became a founder member of the Society of Marine Artists (later to become the Royal Society of Marine Artists) and a founder member of the “Wapping Group of Artists”, a group devoted to painting the London riverscape. A few years later he was elected a member of both the Langham Sketch Club and the London Sketch Club and in 1960 he became a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour.

His work was shown in the exhibitions of all these societies as well as the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of British Artists.