RootsChat.Com
Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: Judy B. on Saturday 28 October 06 22:49 BST (UK)
-
Hi,
On the 1861 census I have a 27 year old man that lists his occupation as Medieval Artist.
Would anyone know what this may have involved? If you google medieval art, there isn't much for this for c. 1861 time period.
He ended up becoming a Franciscan 4 years later.
Thanks.
Judy
-
Hi Judy,
Could it be Medical Artist perhaps? A person who draws for the purposes of Anatomy.
Patricia
-
Hi Judy,
Can you give us the man's name, and/or the page reference? Might help to have a look at the image and see if we can work it out.
Prue
-
Perhaps he was a restorer of mediaeval art? (what there was left of it after the horrible vandalism ordered by Henry VIII)
-
Hello,
I am open to any and all suggestions. Restoration would be a possibility, one I hadn't thought of.
The man's name is William P. Wood. The census is RG9/2988, Folio 81, page 20. He is living with his mother and a niece.
I have puzzled over this for some time and the occupation looks to be medieval artist, but there is a squiggle before the "e". Maybe it is medical artist, I don't know.
In 1851 he was a draughts man and 1871 he was a priest. Neither census gives a clue to the 1861 occupation.
Thanks again.
Judy
-
I don't have the census to look it up.
I hope someone who has a copy/access can give you another opinion but I think it is most likely 'medical artist.'
Can you post a copy of the problem words?
Of course he may have been restoring old mediaeval works in churches and found his calling to the priesthood there. :D
-
Hi,
Looks like it should read 'medieval artist'.Looks like the writer did an 'ae dipthong'.Wow! big word for early in the morning.
Regards
Joburg
-
big word for early in the morning.
;D Well done Joburg ;)
Yes, it definitely looks like Mediaeval Artist. Also seems to say "& 3 others" afterwards, but not quite sure about that. Perhaps as griz suggests, he was involved with restoring churches (the Victorians were very much interested in all things medieval) or with reproducing medieval paintings from old churches (alot of recording of wall paintings was going on at that time). Who knows - but he sure must have been impressed, as he went into the priesthood soon afterwards!
Clip posted below, for reference and interest.
Cheers
Prue
-
Definitely mediaeval artist. His neighbours are skilled craftsmen - a carpenter and an architect's assistant. It was about this time churches were being restored after decades of neglect, and the old gothic style was becoming fashionable. So it does make sense.
Also there was a revival of Anglo-Catholic religion, and I am sure this is reflected in his move from church art to the monastery.
meles
-
What an interesting occupation! It probably is one of the rarest mentioned on Rootschat. It might be interesting to go in the local churches where he was likely to have been engaged and look for his work. :) The churches may have records of who did the art work or restoration of such.
-
Thank you everyone,
I appreciate your help. I had wondered about his work and if I could find any references to it, but came up with nothing. Checking with churches is an avenue I will have to pursue.
Point of interest, William Wood became Cuthbert Wood (his religious name on ordination). He designed the cross and saint statues that are being returned to St. Francis and Gorton Monastery (Manchester) in the restoration project. So I have been trying to find or figure out what his early art was.
Judy
-
Judy, it looks as if you have found out quite a bit already :D. The hunt for more details will be difficult but very rewarding I am sure. You might also try to see if there is a person at Manchester University ( Local History, Fine Arts? depts) that might be able to help. Good Hunting!
-
Hi Judy
Were you aware of another Rootschatter who is working on the Gorton restoration project?
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,136659.0.html
I don't know whether he could help you?
kind regards, Arranroots ;)
-
Thank you Arranroots & griz,
Yes, I am aware of the other Rootschatter and am in touch with Tony. I think I am the one he refers to as his contact made on this site. ;D Or perhaps there are more? Tony and I have exchanged information but William/Cuthbert's earlier life and his death are a mystery. Catholic lists of priests say he died in 1914 but darned if either of us can find out where!
Great idea griz. I have tried other Universities with art restoration included on their sites but had not thought of Manchester (need a bonk on the head)! One of the many reasons I frequent Rootschat, great people/great ideas.
Thanks again.
Judy
-
Hi All,
Fr Cuthberts work of art, before being lifted back in to place at Gorton Monastery
-
Sorry image not gone through ??? Will perservere!
T
x
-
Ooops, attachments did'nt attach ::)
(http://)
-
2 0f four, getting the hang of this now
(http://)
-
3 of 4
(http://)
-
4 of 4
And very best wishes to all :) ;D
(http://)
-
Oh, i nearly forgot, meet Fr Cuthbert Wood, one of Judy's illustrious ancestors :)(http://)
-
I didn't think Fr Cuthbert should be anyone's ancestor!! :o ;D
Amazing pictures Tony - what a great thing to be able to restore to the Monastery.
Thanks for sharing!
kind regards, Arranroots ;)
-
Pleased to meet you, Father Cuthbert :)
He looks like a kindly soul. Thanks for sharing all this with us Tony! :D
Prue