Bethiah Townsend, William Wood’s mother
Having located the artist William Wood's burial place in Bunhill Fields, this post explores the identity of his mother, Bethiah (1732-1805).
‘Adieu the spot where first my breath I drew’ (1775)
Mary Ryder was John Monk’s aunt, once-removed. She liked to write verse letters, poems and prayers for her friends and family. Among her most charming poems is a love letter to Neston, Parkgate, and childhood friends. It is full of the vigour of youth and melancholy of distance.
The headstone of artist William Wood (1769-1809)
I started to look into the life of artist William Wood when I realised how little recorded biography there seemed to be about him. At the time of writing, William Wood doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page.
John Dean Paul, by William Wood
With its elaborate outfit and dark red background, this miniature is a rather a surprise within William Wood’s catalogue.
James Fletcher (1768-1800) by William Wood (& Henry Stubble)
This miniature of James Fletcher (1768-1800) by William Wood is an unusual confection. Certain aspects are in Wood’s style, but the powdered face is notably less expressive than his typical work. The brightly painted lips are also something of a departure.
