Nelson Dawson Art
1859-1941
Painter, printmaker, ceramicist, jeweler, and designer Nelson Ethelred Dawson was a noted member of the English Arts and Crafts movement. Born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1859, he was primarily self-taught in the arts. Following his graduation from the Stamford School for Boys he moved to Chelsea, London, opening a painting studio with painter Ernest Dade, where he began a career as a painter of marine and nautical life. He took courses in silversmithing and enameling from famed English master enameler Alexander Smith, which allowed him to expand his professional oeuvre during the rise of the decorative art scene.
He quickly became acquainted with leading artists of the time, including Frank Bragnwyn and James Whistler, and was elected an associate member of the Royal Watercolor Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers. In 1893 he married artist Edith Robinson, and together they founded a design studio in which they produced objets d'art such as enameled boxes, jewelery, and ceramics. Studio Magazine highlighted their work in an 1897 article about bohemian artists in London, and they began to receive major commissions, among them the organ at the Holy Trinity Church in Chelsea; the gates of Hull Guildhall; and, in 1899, the ceremonial trowel used by Queen Victoria for the groundbreaking of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
When the couple closed their studio in 1909, Dawson focused on printmaking, returning once more to his beloved nautical themes. Living for a time on the Yorkshire Coast, he was particularly inspired by the traditional fishing boats and the fishermen whose livelihoods were slowly being replaced by mechanized steam trawlers. He traveled throughout Europe cataloging his visits to ports in Italy and France. With the outbreak of World War I, he created a series of etchings recounting the role of Brits in maritime clashes with Germany. He was also an illustrator, creating works for works such as the book A Wanderer in London, a travelogue by E.V. Lucas (1904).
Dawson continued to work in a variety of media until the late 1930s. After retirement he donated his collection to the Stamford School, and in 2008 the school held a retrospective of his work. Georgetown University held an exhibition of his marine views called "Etched by the Sea" in 2009.
Dawson died in London in 1941.(Biography provided by Stone and Press Gallery)
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Artist: Nelson Dawson
The Pilot Colde
By Nelson Dawson
Located in New Orleans, LA
This impression is signed and annotated as etched and printed by the artist.
Three vessels battle angry sea.
Nelson Ethelred Dawson (1859–1941) was an English artist and member of...
Category
Early 20th Century Modern Nelson Dawson Art
Materials
Etching
Brigahoe Towing Into Scarborough Harbor
By Nelson Dawson
Located in New Orleans, LA
This impression is signed and annotated as etched and printed by the artist. It is numbered No. 11
Nelson Ethelred Dawson (1859–1941) was an English artist and member of the Arts a...
Category
Early 20th Century Modern Nelson Dawson Art
Materials
Etching
Scarborough
By Nelson Dawson
Located in New Orleans, LA
This impression is signed and annotated as etched and printed by the artist. It is numbered No. 56.
Scarborough is a resort town on England’s North Sea coast. Its 2 bays with sandy...
Category
Early 20th Century Modern Nelson Dawson Art
Materials
Etching
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Nelson Dawson art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Nelson Dawson art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Nelson Dawson in etching and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Nelson Dawson art, so small editions measuring 10 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Eugene Corneau, Frank Weston Benson, and Robin Tanner. Nelson Dawson art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $105 and tops out at $130, while the average work can sell for $124.