James Alphege Brewer (1881-1946) was a well-known early 20th-century producer of color etchings. He is known for his etchings of European cathedrals and other scenes of churches, colleges, and communities. He was born in Kensington, London. He was the son of Henry William Brewer, a noted artist of architectural history, and his great uncle was E. Cobham Brewer (1810-1897), the polymath who compiled Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Talent ran in his family, and he was inspired to do better each day. Many aspiring painters are taking inspiration from his work.
Who was James Alphege Brewer?
James Brewer was born on 24 July 1881, in Kensington, London, the son of Henry William Brewer, a noted artist of historical architecture. His brothers included the painter Henry Charles Brewer and the novelist and organist John Francis Brewer. Their grandfather was the historian John Sherren Brewer, and their great uncle was E. Cobham Brewer, compiler of Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase & Fable.
What was the background of James Brewer?
The father and grandfather, John Sherren Brewer, of the brewer, were notable adherents of the Oxford Movement inspired by Augustus Pugin. Henry William Brewer and his family, including James Alphege Brewer, became high-profile converts to the Roman Catholic Church. His brothers had prominent careers that involved being painters. While the other one became a novelist. The family of James inspired him in many ways. His exemplary work is appreciated by one generation after the other.
Who Did James Alphege Brewer Marry?
On 23 July 1910, Brewer marries Florence née Lucas at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Acton. Florence was a talented painter and great-niece of David Lucas (engraver), who made engravings for John Constable. Brewer and his wife, Florence Lucas, resided on Avenue Road in Acton during their marriage. Henry Charles Brewer also resided in Acton, and the brothers worked together on many pictures.
Where did James Brewer exhibit his work?
Like his brother Henry Charles Brewer, Brewer attended St Charles Catholic College in Kensington before studying at the Westminster School of Art with Frederick Brown. He was an exhibitor at the Royal Academy of Art and later at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, at the Paris Salon of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, and in the shows of the Royal Cambrian Academy.
He also formed part of the Society of Graphic Art and the Ealing Art Group, where he served first as Honorary Art Secretary and later as Honorary Art Chairman. Brewer is considered to be the inspiration for his brother Henry Charles’s wall paintings designed for the Lady Chapel of St. Peter’s Church, Ealing, in 1928. Brewer’s etching, a gift in 2023, is also there in the chapel. Among his older siblings were the artist Henry Charles Brewer and the organist and writer John Francis Brewer (1864-1921).
The Most Famous Etchings
It is almost impossible to date the etchings produced in the Acton studio that did not find a publisher with Alfred Bell & Co. One pointer might be that Brewer, in his datable etchings, started engraving the title into the plate in 1926. Although by no means absolute, this was a good point to start grouping the etchings into earlier and later periods. Most of the etchings thought to be from the later period were less than 50 square inches in area. A 1925 sales booklet, which appears to have been published by Brewer specifically for the American market, is useful in this dating by order.
Characteristics of Later Brewer Etchings
Some of Brewer’s etchings became so popular that they required new versions when demand exceeded the size of a limited edition. This led to two very nearly identical views of Antwerp and its cathedral across the Scheldt and two views of St. Paul’s Cathedral across the Thames, the two pairs again showing minor adjustments in angle or attire. At least six more depict the west front of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Rheims at varying angles or modes of dress.
One was published in 1919 with what looks to be a peasant woman in traditional dress in the foreground. A very similar view, but with short-skirted tourists, was published in 1928. Two other views date from 1916 and 1921: one straight-on view with tourists, signed by both James and Henry and another from about two yards to the right with figures in traditional dress
Professional Success
Brewier’s first important success as a young artist came with color etchings in commemoration of cathedrals and other edifices destroyed or damaged during World War I. During World War II, however, he turned his back on the war, producing instead woodcuts of scenes of natural beauty—mountain and pastoral scenes, for the most part, in the Japanese manner.
Did James Alphege Brewer collaborate with other artists?
Yes, Brewer collaborated with his brother, Henry Charles Brewer, who was also a painter. They worked together on many pictures and projects, including the wall paintings for the Lady Chapel of St. Peter’s Church in Ealing, created by Henry Charles in 1928.
What contribution did Brewer make to the Society of Graphic Art?
Brewer took an active role in the Society of Graphic Art, which was created to promote printmaking. He was a member of the Honorary Art Secretary and then the Honorary Art Chairman of the Ealing Art Group.
Where is James Alphege Brewer buried?
Brewer died on 4 February 1946 at the age of 64. He is buried in Acton Cemetery near his brother, Henry Charles. Even after his death, his work is being auctioned at good prices.
What is James Alphege Brewer’s legacy?
The work by James Alphege Brewer relates to etching cathedrals and churches, mainly concerning the grand architecture and architectural splendor of those buildings. Even now, it is still well appreciated. Recently, in 2023, an etching by Brewer was donated to St. Peter’s Church, Ealing. He also was a part of the Ealing Art Group and associated with his brother, Henry Charles Brewer.
