This week, saw me acquire a painting more for the image it displayed than the artist who had created it. To be honest, his was a name I did not recognise. The image is a classic image and one of my favourite views of the great ‘Ship of the Fens’ – Ely Cathedral.
The Cathedral appears in silhouette with reflection in the river. It is done in an impressionistic style using broad brush strokes and splashs of colour. The more I look at this painting, the more impressed I am with the technique and execution.
#MorrisMeredithWilliams (1881-1973)was an artist who painted, worked in stained glass, and as an illustrator. He is best known for the works he created with his wife, #GertrudeAliceMeredithWilliams. Morris studied at the Slade School of Fine Art as well as in Italy and France. He served in the army in WWI, and many pieces were created based on his time at the front during the war. His drawings of naval and military figures of the WWI became the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle. The frieze was modelled by his wife, Gertrude.
A beautiful piece to add to my collection of Ely art.
ronsartblog 
Dear Ron,
Dear Ron,
It’s good to see this painting. I think it is one of four bought from Morris Meredith Williams, by Fettes College, for the staffroom, in 1930 (a year after he left the school where he had taught since 1905). I don’t know when it was painted. It’s possible that the painting was later given to a teacher as a leaving present. If you haven’t already found it, my website about Morris and Alice Meredith Williams is aliceandmorris.com
Good wishes
Phyllida Shaw
Dear Ron,
Thank you for sharing the painting of Ely Cathedral. I think this was one of four paintings bought by Fettes College from Morris Meredith Williams in 1930, the year after he left the school, having taught there since 1905. I don’t know when it was painted. It’s possible that it was later given to a teacher as a leaving present. it would be good to know where you came across it. If you haven’t already found it, my website about Morris and Alice Meredith Williams is https://aliceandmorris.com
good wishes
Phyllida Shaw