1826 - 1885
Williamson was brought to America as a child by his parents who settled in Brooklyn, New York. At the National Academy school, he was enrolled in the antique class from 1844 to 1847 and again in 1854-55, and in the life class in 1850-51. He was primarily a landscapist but is known to have executed a number of flower and fruit still-lifes. He began exhibiting at the Academy in 1850 and continued to do so for the rest of his life. In 1852, he sold several works to the American Art Union.
Williamson was a founder of the Artists' Fund Society and was an active exhibitor at the Brooklyn Art Association during the 1860s and 1870s. Leeds Art Galleries in New York held a large sale of his landscapes and still-lifes in 1867.
In his later years, Williamson was "a martyr to paralysis," as the minutes of the Academy noted. At his death, the institution sent the following words of condolence to his widow:
The Council of the Academy desire to assure you of their deep sorrow on hearing of the death of their friend and fellow member, John Williamson, A.N.A., and of their sincere sympathy with you in your great grief. Although, by reason of his long illness, they have of late but rarely enjoyed his wanted and welcome presence amongst them, yet they will always recall with satisfaction the many long years during which he lived and labored with them, ever ready to bear his full share of work in the promotion of the general interest and happiness of his brother artists. His sterling character and kindly heart won for him a measure of esteem and love which will long remain in the memory of all.
Williamson was a founder of the Artists' Fund Society and was an active exhibitor at the Brooklyn Art Association during the 1860s and 1870s. Leeds Art Galleries in New York held a large sale of his landscapes and still-lifes in 1867.
In his later years, Williamson was "a martyr to paralysis," as the minutes of the Academy noted. At his death, the institution sent the following words of condolence to his widow:
The Council of the Academy desire to assure you of their deep sorrow on hearing of the death of their friend and fellow member, John Williamson, A.N.A., and of their sincere sympathy with you in your great grief. Although, by reason of his long illness, they have of late but rarely enjoyed his wanted and welcome presence amongst them, yet they will always recall with satisfaction the many long years during which he lived and labored with them, ever ready to bear his full share of work in the promotion of the general interest and happiness of his brother artists. His sterling character and kindly heart won for him a measure of esteem and love which will long remain in the memory of all.
