William Roxby Beverly

1810 - 1889

Essentials

  • Top-ranked work: Newhaven Pier
  • Museums on this site: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
  • Born: 1810, Richmond, United Kingdom
  • Top 3 works: Newhaven Pier
  • Lifespan: 79 years
  • Copyright status: Public domain

A Life of Theatrical Splendor

Born in Richmond, United Kingdom, William Roxby Beverly was a multifaceted artist who excelled as a painter, watercolorist, and scenographer. Coming from a theatrical family, he began his career contributing to the visual landscape of the stage. His early work included painting the "Island of Mist" for the play The Ice Witch, where he utilized gauze to achieve specific atmospheric effects. His talent for creating immersive environments led to significant engagements at major venues, including the Theatre Royal in Manchester and the Princess's Theatre in London. He was noted for his ability to execute ingenious transformations and large-scale dioramas, such as his work on "The Ascent of Mont Blanc" and the "Great Holy Land Diorama."

Mastery of Scenery and Seascapes

Throughout his career, Beverly held prestigious positions, serving as the scenic director at the Covent Garden Opera House and working extensively with the Drury Lane Theatre. His expertise spanned from designing elaborate Shakespearean revivals to creating spectacular backgrounds for operas like Rigoletto and Lohengrin. Beyond the stage, he was a dedicated practitioner of watercolor and oil painting. He frequently exhibited his work at the Royal Academy, often focusing on seascapes, including pieces such as Fishing Boats going before the Wind: Early Morning. His artistic output was characterized by a command over both the grand scale of theatrical panoramas and the delicate nuances of maritime subjects.

Questions & Answers

What moods do William Roxby Beverly's artworks express?

William Roxby Beverly's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

Can I explore William Roxby Beverly's works by subject?

The Subject Atlas page maps William Roxby Beverly's artworks by subject.

Can I study William Roxby Beverly's use of color across all works?

The Palette Genome of William Roxby Beverly is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

Can I browse William Roxby Beverly's works by medium?

The All Medium page groups William Roxby Beverly's artworks by technique.

Test your eye

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was William Roxby Beverly born?
Question 2:
Which theatrical venue did Beverly work for from 1854 through 1884?
Question 3:
What was Beverly's preferred medium for exhibiting pictures at the Royal Academy?
Question 4:
Which famous artist was Beverly compared to in terms of his work?
Question 5:
What was the subject of the diorama Beverly created for the pantomime of Number Nip in 1838?