William Simmonds was an important designer and maker associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement. His base in rural Gloucestershire influenced his choice of subjects. He often depicted domestic and farm animals. He carved these in a variety of materials and made them either as sculptures or puppets.
Cat by William Simmonds (1876-1968), about 1935.
Outstretched pine cat on oblong base with scorch marks to the pine to resemble markings in a cat's fur.
William Simmonds was a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. He initially trained as an architect and then studied fine art at the Royal College of Art and Royal Academy schools. He began making sculptures of domestic and farm animals in 1913 based on his own drawings. He moved to Gloucestershire in 1919, living at Far Oakridge near Stroud from 1927 and was a member of the Guild of Gloucestershire Craftsmen. He produced a wide variety of work including carvings in wood, ivory and stone, sculpture, pottery, book designs, paintings and drawings. He also made puppets.
As a rural based craftsman, Simmonds had a deep affinity with the countryside and those that made a living from the land.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery collection, purchased by Sir William Rothenstein 1938
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