ARTWORKS

St John Basil Wynne Willson (1868–1946), Bishop of Bath and Wells (1921–1937)

Aidan Savage (1901–1986)

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens

St John Basil Wynne Willson (1868–1946), Bishop of Bath and Wells (1921–1937)

© the artist's estate. Image credit: The Bishop's Palace & Gardens

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Notes

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Willson was a classical scholar and after ordination was Master of Haileybury and Master of Marlborough. In 1916 he became Dean of Bristol Cathedral, and in 1921 came to Bath and Wells. He was caring, popular, a home lover and very hospitable. His wife Lilian was daughter of George Wils, Chairman of the Imperial Tobacco Company. His staff were personal friends and he was generous to them and to his clergy. He supported King George VI at his Coronation. He was diabetic and had poor sight. He was buried at Wells Cathedral.

Willson did not use a telephone and all his letters were hand written. He had many styles of hats and wore them at jaunty angle. He enjoyed fishing, golf and croquet. His pastoral staff was made from old beams from Bristol Cathedral.

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens

Wells

Title

St John Basil Wynne Willson (1868–1946), Bishop of Bath and Wells (1921–1937)

Date

c.1930

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 101 x W 75 cm

Accession number

32

Acquisition method

possibly acquired, c.1935

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens

Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD England

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Artist or maker

Aidan Savage

1901–1986

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