David Fullwood / Paul Fullwood
Born in Wolverhampton, author’s Paul (left) and David (right) Fullwood are cousins and family historians. After both attending St Peter’s School in Wolverhampton, Paul worked for several Government Departments and David attended Wolverhampton Art College before working for an international public limited company.John Fullwood’s story begins with an overview of the Victorian Wolverhampton where he grew up and his training as an artist. His move to Birmingham, initially to work in the jewellery trade, led to his emergence as an artist after he attended Birmingham Art School. He became an influential figure in three of that city’s artistic institutions and was subsequently elected a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. Before he left the city he illustrated ‘Remnants of Old Wolverhampton and its Environs’, the work for which he is probably best known in his home town.This book explores his overlooked role in founding of the Newlyn Art Colony alongside Walter Langley and others and his stay in Paris as he developed his style. On his return to England he stayed in Sussex to explore his fascination with the natural world, reflected in his membership of natural history societies, matching the Victorian taste for landscape and nature and led to his popular success.In Paris he met an influential American art dealer, leading to promotion and sales across the Atlantic, seemingly setting him up for reward and recognition as he moved to live in London and his work was accepted by the Royal Academy. However, family connections with Australia led to a misjudged investment and his final years were troubled by ill health.Because of his achievements he was awarded a Civil List Pension by the Government in 1905 and after the First World War he was still sufficiently recognised to be asked to contribute a miniature painting to hang in the Queen Mary’s Dolls House, still on display in Windsor Castle. He died, in London, in 1931.This book brings previously unknown detail to the story of John Fullwood and attempts to place him back into the public consciousness.
