STONELAKE, Francis Anthony, RWA.*

A native of Bristol, he lived in Redland, where his father was proprietor of a high-class baker and confectionery business. Never of robust health, his early intention was to become an Art Master, and with this in mind he studied Art in Bristol, London and Dublin. In search of a scholarship he submitted a fine set of horses which impressed Briton Riviere, the celebrated animal painter, so much that he advised him to pursue his art in that sphere. With tremendous dedication he spent hour after hour with horses and dogs and developed into an artist who could make subjects seem almost lifelike. He was one of the Foundation Members in 1904 and just the type of younger artist that Ernest Ehlers would be seeking. A handsome , clean-shaven man, with somewhat sharp features and ready to join in any fun of Savage Rag. With Charlie Thomas, the two them were always up to good-humoured leg pull. Like Charles, he was also an excellent raconteur. In 1909 and again in 1924 he was elected President. He was one of the original six who founded Grouse to which he contributed regularly. During the 1914 18 War he served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. After the Armistice he returned to the Wigwam and continued working up to 1928. He was a member of the RWA and often served on their hanging committee. We have 10 of framed works and about 25 of his Evening Sketches. In the winter of 1928 he was taken ill and in March 1929 he died. (Cecil Broome)