Bidspirit auction | Percy (William Percy) French (1854

Percy (William Percy) French (1854 - 1920) Ireland/Scotland - Percy (William Percy) French (1854 - 1920) Watercolor on paper, Signed Lower Right, Measures (4.5 x 10 inches) w/frame ( 12 x 17 inches) The landscape painter, sketcher and illustrator William French was born in County Roscommon. Quite apart from his artistic talent in drawing and watercolour painting, he was also a writer, banjo-player, opera composer, poet and one of Ireland's most popular songwriters and entertainers. Hence his reputation as a Renaissance man. French graduated from Trinity College Dublin as a civil engineer in 1881, joining the Board of Works in County Cavan as an Inspector of Drains. During this time he combined work with a prolific output of watercolours, one of which - Where ever I go my heart turns back to the County Mayo - was sold by Dublin art auctioneers Whytes for a record €44,000. In due course, his musical career took off. and he travelled widely, painting constantly. He painted scenes from Canada, the USA and the West Indies, as well as Switzerland and England. Condition: The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact the auction house before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction.