William Washington

British artist William Washington taught at several London art schools, finally becoming acting Principal at Hammersmith School of Art for 20 years. He was a master engraver, painter, silversmith and calligrapher. Initially, like his father, he worked on the railroads, but then learned lithography and eventually studied at the Royal College of Art. His son, Robert Johnson Washington, became a highly regarded ceramist. In 2014 the Washington Foundation UK was established with the aim of supporting emerging artists to develop their skills.

William Washington was only the third artist to become a Master of one of the great City of London companies – the Saddlers. His best-known work was regarded as The Donkey Ride, which contained a portrait of his wife and daughter. He was known as a keen fisherman.

The black and white engraving The Cricket Bat Maker was created as early as 1934. The 39.0 x 29.7 cm sheet (27.3 x 21.7 cm image) shows the former player and legendary maker of cricket bats, Walter Warsop, in his workshop in Danbury, Essex. Similar engravings by Washington show other stages of the manufacturing process.