We are very excited that Pontefract Museum has now reopened with a major new exhibition of artwork by Charles Pears (1873-1958), who was born in the town. To celebrate, we've gathered some of our favourite works from UK collections to showcase Pears' distinguished career as a renowned marine and naval specialist and a prolific commercial artist.
Charles Pears was born in 1873. He began to develop his artistic talent whilst growing up in Pontefract. As a young man, he moved to London, where he began his career as a cartoonist and illustrator, before establishing a reputation as an eminent poster artist and oil painter.
Charles Pears (1873–1958)
Oil on canvas
H 102 x W 127 cm
The Collection: Art & Archaeology in Lincolnshire (Usher Gallery)
The Passenger Liner 'Queen Mary' Arriving at Southampton, 27 March 1936 c.1936
Charles Pears (1873–1958)
Oil on canvas
H 101.6 x W 127 cm
National Maritime Museum
Southern Railway Steamers as Hospital Ships Awaiting the Wounded at Dunkirk during World War II c.1939–1945
Charles Pears (1873–1958)
Oil on canvas
H 79.8 x W 113 cm
National Railway Museum
Southend-on-Sea Bathing Buoy 1934
Charles Pears (1873–1958)
Lithograph on paper
H 120 x W 100 cm
Southend Museums Service
Southend, Crowstone Light 1929
Charles Pears (1873–1958)
Colour lithograph
H 120 x W 100 cm
Southend Museums Service
Southend Pier 1930
Charles Pears (1873–1958)
Colour lithograph on paper
H 120 x W 100 cm
Southend Museums Service
Charles Pears (1873–1958)
Oil on canvas
H 101.8 x W 63.7 cm
National Railway Museum
Apples and Honey from Canadian Orchards
Charles Pears (1873–1958) and John Waddington Ltd (active 1905–1940) and Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO)
Lithograph on paper
H 102 x W 152.5 cm
Manchester Art Gallery
Charles Pears (1873–1958) and Johnson, Riddle and Co. Ltd (active c.1927–1945) and Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO)
Lithograph on paper
H 102 x W 152.5 cm
Manchester Art Gallery
Charles Pears (1873–1958) and Waterlow and Sons Ltd (active 1810–1960s) and Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO)
Lithograph on paper
H 102 x W 152.5 cm
Manchester Art Gallery
Bombay 1928
Charles Pears (1873–1958) and Johnson, Riddle and Co. Ltd (active c.1927–1945) and Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO)
Lithograph on paper
H 102 x W 152.5 cm
Manchester Art Gallery
Self Portrait 1944–1946
Charles Pears (1873–1958)
Oil on canvas
H 61.5 x W 51 cm
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
