FOWLER, Robert  [1850 - 1926]

Undoubtedly less well-known than his footballer namesake, Scottish born artist Robert Fowler’s works have commanded significant prices at auction over the years and his Castle Street studio in Liverpool was a focal point for writers, artists and musicians in the last years of the 19th century.

He was born in Cellardyke, Fife in 1850, his father William being a marine superintendent who brought his family to Liverpool around 1860. After attending the Liverpool College Robert began work in a commercial office. His talent for art was recognised by his employer upon whose recommendation Robert’s parents sent him to the Heatherley School of Fine Art in London. Moving back to Liverpool he made his Castle Street studio his base for several decades before moving to London in the early 1900’s. Amongst his commissions was the illustration of works by G.A.Henty, the renowned Victorian author of adventure fiction.

At the time of the 1881 census the Fowler family was living at 5 Tynwald Hill L13 (now demolished) . After his marriage Fowler lived with his family at 13 Derwent Road L13. He died in 1926.


13 Derwent Road L13

Robert Fowler's home at the time of the 1901 census

An example of Fowler's work:  Women of Phoenicia [1879]

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING

The Wikipedia entry is the only significant source I have identified on Robert Fowler. An image search will produce many examples of his work.