William Kiddier

Born in Loughborough in 1859, he spent most of his life in Nottingham and worked as a brush maker, reportedly taking over the family business. Sources on British artists describe him as a painter and etcher, and note that he traveled in Russia and Poland while still a young man.

Kiddier stayed active in Nottingham’s art world while pursuing his trade. Several art sources credit him with playing an important part in founding the Nottingham Atelier in 1897, a life class created to give local artists more opportunities to study from the figure.

He also wrote about the world he knew. The Brushmaker, and the Secrets of His Craft: His Romance drew on his deep knowledge of brushmaking, and The Profanity of Paint was published in 1916. Together, those works suggest a practical, independent-minded artist who cared as much about honest craft as finished pictures.