William Barnes Wollen


William Barnes Wollen was an English painter mostly known for his paintings of battle and historical scenes and sporting events.

Early life and career

Born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1857, Wollen was educated at University College School in London from 1871 to 1873 and also at the Slade School. From 1879 until 1922, he exhibited pictures at the Royal Academy, National Watercolour Society and elsewhere. His first picture exhibited at the Royal Academy was entitled "Football" but he followed this up with his first military painting in 1881 entitled "The rescue of Private Andrews by Captain Garnet J. Wolseley, H.M. 90th L.I. at the storming of the Motee Mahail, Lucknow". He was elected a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1888.
In 1900, Wollen was commissioned by the new illustrated weekly newspaper, The Sphere, to act as one of its special artists in South Africa to cover the Boer War. His experiences during this war resulted in several paintings, including "The Imperial Light Horse at Waggon Hill, January 6, 1900", "The Victoria Cross", and "The 1st Battalion South Lancashire Regiment storming the Boer trenches at Pieter's Hill". The artist also exhibited several scenes during and shortly after World War I depicting that conflict.

Later life and death

Wollen lived in London during his career, in Camden Square and Bedford Park, and died in the city in 1936, aged 78.

Paintings

News Sergeant Ewart capturing the Eagle of the 45th The Black Watch The Battle of the Roses The Battle of Abu Klea, 1885 Charge of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons at the Battle of Tournay The Last Stand of the 44th Regiment at Gundamuck Lancers at Omdurman The Victoria Cross The Imperial Light Horse at Elandslaagte The 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment storming the Boer Trenches at Pieter's Hill Guardians of the Law The Scouts Ambushed Britain's Watchdogs, 1805 The First Fight for Independence, Lexington Common, April 19, 1775 The Flag, Albuera, May 16, 1811 Landrecies, 25 August 1914 The Canadians at Ypres The London Territorials at Pozieres
  • ''Semper Fidelis: The last stand of the 2nd Devons at Bois des Buttes, May 27, 1918''

Written works

  • Wollen, W.B., "Christmas at the Front: A reminiscence of Christmas at Modder River," Cassell's Magazine, Dec. 1900 – May 1901, pp. 112–115.