Frank Jameson (British, 1899–1968)
Frank Jameson (British, 1899–1968)
Female Nude
Oil on Board
- Signed lower left.
- There are 6 paintings by this artist in the British National Art Collection.
- Painting - 53.5cm x 43cm
- Frame - 61cm x 50.5cm
Notes
A very fine example of the work of Frank Jameson depicting a female nude in an interior. Signed lower left.
Condition
In very fine condition. Clean, highly attractive, well framed and ready to hang.
Artist Information
Frank Jameson was a British artist renowned for his evocative oil paintings. Born in London in 1899, Jameson's early life was marked by a balance between practical work and artistic pursuit. While employed as an insurance salesman, he nurtured his passion for art by attending evening classes at the Birmingham School of Art under the tutelage of Mr. Nicholson .
During World War I, Jameson served as an officer in the Worcestershire Regiment, where he was tasked with constructing bridges and blockhouses . After the war, he settled in Redditch, Worcestershire, and embarked on camping expeditions across the English countryside, painting landscapes en plein air. His artistic journeys took him through regions such as Dorset, Brixham in Devon, and eventually to St Ives in Cornwall.
In 1926, Jameson furthered his artistic education at the Forbes School of Painting in Newlyn. Some of his early works from this period are signed "F. Jameson-Smith," indicating a transitional phase in his artistic identity .
The vibrant art community of St Ives captivated Jameson, leading him to rent the Loft Studio and become a member of the St Ives Society of Artists (STISA) in the mid-1930s. He debuted with the society in their Autumn Exhibition of 1939 and continued to exhibit regularly alongside artists like John Anthony Park, Arthur Hayward, and Dorothea Sharp .
Jameson's personal life intertwined with his artistic endeavors. He met his wife, Joyce, during his travels, and they married shortly before World War II at the Penzance Registry Office. Their daughter, Daphne, was born during a painting sojourn in Ireland. While in Ireland, Jameson exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts in Dublin .
By the late 1940s, the Jameson family had settled in Falmouth, Cornwall, where Frank established a studio at 42 High Street, overlooking the River Fal. He remained in Falmouth for the rest of his life, maintaining strong ties with the St Ives art community and continuing to exhibit his work.
Throughout his career, Jameson's work was showcased in prestigious venues, including the Royal Academy (RA), Royal West of England Academy (RWA), Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI), Royal Society of British Artists (RBA), Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), and the Paris Salon. He was also a member of the Bournemouth Art Club during his residence there .
Jameson's oeuvre encompasses a range of subjects, from serene landscapes and bustling harbor scenes to intimate portraits. Notable works include "Poole Shipyard," "A Breezy Day, St Ives," "Evening Storm," "Anne Hathaway's Cottage," "On the River Fal," "A Nude in the Garden," "The Cliffs near Lands End," and "Fishing Boat SS122 Setting Out from St Ives Harbour (1967)." His self-portraits and depictions of family members, such as "Portrait of Daphne" and "A Quiet Read (Portrait of the Artist's Mother)," offer a glimpse into his personal world .
Frank Jameson's legacy endures through his contributions to British art, particularly within the Cornish art scene. His works continue to be celebrated and are part of collections like the Falmouth Art Gallery, ensuring that his artistic vision remains accessible to future generations.