W. Edwin Law
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Walter Edwin Law (1865-1942) was a prolific etcher of the British School.
His main subjects were historic architectural landmarks in London, especially in Westminster. In his early 20th century etchings he captured an older London. His etchings feature such marvels as St Clement Danes Church, Westminster Abbey, Nell Gynn's House and Mansion House. While after 1904 he commonly added to his signature Exhibitor R.A., he was only known to have exhibited once at the Royal Academy with an etching entitled The Alps, Switzerland. Works without R.A. are assumed to predate his 1904 Royal Academy debut, and he is considered to have been most active in 1910 to 1930.
Law's Life
Walter Edwin was registered at birth as Walter Edward in South Hackney. His father William was a spruce merchant, and in his adult life Walter Edwin Law identified himself in official records as a wood engraver and artist. Married to Katherine (Kate) Pearce, by 1902 the couple had six children: Florence, Emma, Lilian, Edwin, Walter and George. The family moved around London, spending time in Camberwell, Bushey, Wealdstone and at this address in Percival Street, Enfield. He died in Chichester.
The Artist and Etchings
While most of his etchings are of London buildings, there are a number of Scottish scenes by Walter Edwin Law held in Glasgow Museums and Glasgow University Library Special Collections. The Glasgow Museums even suggest in a brief bio that the famous 21st century London etcher is actually Scottish. Was W. Edwin adopted by a Scottish family? Come up to the It's so last century garret late on Thursday night to view his etchings and find out.
