A Sea Dream

Boats, Marine, Oceans

Dimensions

Image Dimensions: 12.7 x 18.3 cm
Support Dimensions: 28.6 x 39.0 cm

Commenting in the accompanying catalogue letterpress, Henry Peach Robinson writes of W. Clement Williams work and this plate:

We now come to three splendid sea pieces (194, 195, 196) by W. Clement Williams. We have selected 194, A Sea Dream, for illustration. Besides the general effect, notice how the composition culminates in the little black speck of a sailing boat; how it gives value to the tones. We cannot help regretting the greenish-grey-blue in which these pictures are printed, and which could only be intended to produce the false impression of moonlight; indeed, we believe this colour is sometimes called “moonlight.” These pictures are too great to require such cheap devices.

Obituary: William Clement Williams- 1846-1913

WILLIAM CLEMENT WILLIAMS.
Died June 3rd. 1913.

The impressive funeral of Mr William Clement Williams (architect) took place at All Saints’, Halifax, Yorkshire, on Friday June 13th. Mr Williams passed away on Tuesday, June 3rd, at Beacon Croft, Port Erin, in his 67th year, and the news came as a shock to his numerous friends, by whom he was greatly esteemed, his charming personality having gained for him the warmest admiration. Mr Williams was naturally of a retiring disposition, and took no part in public affairs. His whole heart was in his profession, and some of the most important buildings in Halifax were designed by him. Many churches, chapels, schools, and factories are the expression of his genius. The Primitive Methodist Chapel at Port Erin is a monument of his ability and generosity. It has been described as one of the finest buildings in the Island. Mr Williams believed in the ministry of magnificent buildings. His early years were spent with one of the leading church architects in Oxford. He was a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and for some years Mr Williams was senior deacon at Park Congregational Church Halifax. His hobbies were water-colour painting and photography. He was of the pioneers in the world of photography, and had secured over fifty medals and diplomas for exhibition work. He was a brave, manly, tender soul; a man of great personal value to the community being universally reverenced and respected. In a letter addressed to the Rev James W. Hailwood (acknowledging an expression of condolence), Mr H. Percy Williams, a son, remarks: ” My father’s death leaves a large gap in our family circle, as he was loved and respected by all. He leaves many records of an industrious life; all my life I never remember him being idle for half an hour.” He is now at rest. He rests from his labours, and we derive from the pleasing memory of his truly great life inspiration for the duties of the coming days. Mr Williams leaves a widow and six children, with whom deep sympathy will be felt. (obituary from Manx Quarterly, #14 Sep 1914, via isle-of-man.com accessed December, 2017)

Williams was a long-time member, vice-president and secretary  (beginning in the very early 1880’s) of the Halifax Photographic Club in Halifax, Yorkshire.  A Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, (FRIBA) this amateur photographer was listed as living at 13 Akeds Road in Halifax in an 1892 exhibition book.