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Here is a very fine monochrome watercolour entitled Soldier's Look-out. It was painted in 1899 by William Edgar Shawcross. It may have been used to illustrate a book or a newspaper article. Does anyone know anything about the artist? Thanks in advance for any help.

Strangely, not an artist listed by Ryno Greenwall in his superb "Artists and Illustrators of the Anglo-Boer War". However, I know Ryno continued to discover illustrators after publication. One of the pitfalls of writing a "definitive" work....

I would say definitely intended for publication. Are there any tell-tale scribbles on the back that might shed some light on the ID and date of the journal it was produced for? I have seen many with instructions such as "3 Col. / Immediate / 14 FEB".

In 1901, there was a William Edgar Shawcross living in Princess Road, Moss Side, Manchester. Although only 15 years old, he is described as a "Photographic Artist". I think this is very probably your man.

If the young man is indeed the artist, then he was a pretty good artist. I'll check the back as it's in a plastic envelope with a certificate of authenticity... It certainly looks like a piece of art that would have been used for an illustration. More later... cheers, John

Here we go. 1915 attestation papers, describing the same man as an artist.




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This is GREAT! Thank you so very much! You're always a great help and do wonderful research!
Cheers, John

A little more digging around and I found that William Edgar Shawcross was born in 1885 in Blackburn, Lancashire. His father was W H Shawcross. He married Ellen Jane (Nellie) Apps on 10 Sept 1913 at
Christ Church, Moss Side, Manchester. They were married by Rev. J.W. Challoner (C of E). Shawcriss was a member of the Amalgamated Society of Lithographic Artists, Designers, Engravers & Process Works from 1913 to 1919. The Manchester Branch of the union. The Shawcrosses lived at 15 Bournville Avenue in Stockport when on 4/12/1915 he enlisted as 90218 Gunner William Edgar Shawcross in the RGA when 30 and a half years old. He served in 252nd Anti-Aircraft Section, 36th AA Co. He was 5’9.5” tall. He had health issues and was in the Military Hospital Ipswich 22/8/17 3/9/1917 for synovitis Left knee. Again he was admitted to the Military Hospital Ipswich on 9/2/1918 for issues with his left Leg. Later he was in the Military Hospital Colchester. He was classified disabled on 10/01/1919, and demobbed on 8/2/1919. In 1941 he was living at Woodside 28, West End Ave, Manchester.

He was a prolific artist and did many pen and ink drawings and illustrations. Many, but not all, were military related. (see below).