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William Arthur Breakspeare (1855-1914) was an English artist from Birmingham, England.
Breakspeare lived in Edgbaston, Birmingham until the age of 22. In 1877 when he moved to central Birmingham on Paradise Street.[1]
He was closely associated with the RBSA gallery, exhibiting 34 works from 1874-1899.[2] His work covered many genres including; genre, portrait, figure and 18th century costume pieces and landscape.
Breakspeare spent time in Paris, moving there in 1879. Whilst living there he exhibited 'An Eastern Maid' at the RBSA.[3] Perhaps showing an influence of Orientalism from his stay. However his stay was short and moved to Haverstock Hill in London a few years later in 1881.[4] He is understood to have spent the rest of his life there.
As well as his training in Paris, Breakspeare was initially trained at the Birmingham School of Art.
In his time Breakspeare exhibited around eight works at the Royal Academy in London from 1883-1893, including 'To Gretna Green' and 'Bathers'.
Although he has never been widely recognised for his art, in his time he was a significant member of not only the RBSA but also the Birmingham art circle.