Edmund Morison Wimperis was a British landscape painter and illustrator who was born in Chester, England, on October 4, 1835. Wimperis was associated with the second generation of artists from the British watercolor tradition, and his work often reflects the influence of the picturesque and romantic landscape tradition. He was part of the Victorian era of British art, which was characterized by a detailed and realistic approach to painting, often infused with a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the natural world.
Wimperis began his artistic training at the age of 15 as an apprentice to a wood engraver, which provided him with a strong foundation in draftsmanship and an eye for detail. This experience proved to be influential in his development as an artist, as he later became an accomplished illustrator, contributing to various publications such as 'The Illustrated London News' and 'The Graphic'. Despite his skill in engraving, Wimperis was more passionate about watercolors, and he transitioned to become a full-time painter later in his career.
Throughout his life, Wimperis traveled extensively across the British Isles, finding inspiration in the diverse landscapes—from the rugged coasts of Cornwall to the pastoral scenes of Surrey and Sussex. His work featured a variety of British landscapes and often depicted the changing seasons, showcasing his ability to capture the subtleties of light and atmosphere.
Wimperis was an active member of the art community and exhibited his work at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of British Artists. He was also a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI) and served as its vice president for a time.
His paintings were well-received in his time, appreciated for their charm and his ability to render landscapes with a blend of accuracy and poetic sensibility. Wimperis's approach to landscape painting was somewhat traditional and did not radically break with the conventions of his predecessors. However, his dedication to capturing the essence of the British countryside provided a valuable visual record of the era and contributed to the country's artistic heritage.
Edmund Morison Wimperis passed away on August 14, 1900. Today, his works can be found in various art collections and continue to be of interest to those studying the Victorian period of British art and the landscape genre.