Robert Fowler

(1850 – 1926), Artist

Robert Fowler, celebrated prolific painter of landscapes, portraits and classical subjects, was born in Kilrenny, 16th January 1850. He was the eldest son of Jessie Deas and Robert Fowler, shipmaster, senior captain of the Balfour Williamson line of Liverpool, (founded by Stephen Williamson MP of Cellardyke, and Alexander Balfour of Leven).

His parents were often abroad “on business” leaving him in the care of his aunt and uncle in Cunzie House, Anstruther.  Robert Jnr ascribed his first encouragement in art to his aunt, who allowed him to draw on the “old-fashioned white chimney piece” of Cunzie house in lead pencil, having it cleaned weekly to allow him a new canvas.  From there he graduated to a drawing book and pencils. 

Around 1868, aged 16, Robert joined his family in Liverpool, attending Liverpool College, where he persuaded fellow pupils to do his lessons in return for caricatures.  Later placed in a commercial office his caricatures were again in demand, and after causing “a great increase in the stationery bill” he was sent to the Royal Academy School in London.   He had a great interest in music, art and literature. His studio in Liverpool was much frequented by artists, writers and musicians.

He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1876, and afterwards exhibited in London, Munich and Paris, having a particular following in Germany. Highly regarded by his fellow artists. His posthumous portrait of “The Surgeon Thomas Black”, 1878, now hangs again in Anstruther Town Hall, after extensive restoration.

In 1902 he moved to London. Robert Fowler’s paintings are still very marketable.  “The Dance of Salome”, 1885, sold for $100,000 in New York in 2014. Landscapes, of which he painted many, start around £1500 when they come to market.

Having been born in the age of lead pencils, crinolines, and the farm cart, Robert lived into the age of the telephone, the aeroplane and the flapper, dying in 1926.

Research by Glenn Jones