Sidney Richard Percy

Biography

Sidney Richard Percy was the fifth son of Edward Williams Snr. and the nephew of James Ward. He was brought up in the usual family tradition, exhibiting his work at the Royal Academy in 1842 at the very young age of twenty-one. Percy changed his name, just as his brothers Henry John Boddington and Arthur Gilbert had done, in order to avoid confusion with other members of the Williams family.

In 1843 Percy made his debut at the British Institution and thereafter he became a regular and respected contributor at all the leading art exhibitions including the Royal Academy. Percy exhibited more than three hundred paintings during his lifetime.

Whether in spring, summer, autumn or winter, Percy’s sense of nature at times is unrivalled. He put his hand to landscapes, which are honest, free from exaggeration and soberly observed which more than amply satisfy the viewer.

His studio sale was held at Christie’s on 27 November 1886. Percy’s work is now represented in the galleries and museums of Leeds, Sheffield, Sunderland and Montreal.