Details
William Hamlet, early 19th century
The Bath, Exeter and Plymouth Royal Mail Coach
signed 'W. Hamlet'; watercolour
11½ x 19in. (29.2 x 48.2cm.)
Literature
James Ayres, British Folk Art, Barrie and Jenkins, London 1976. Overlook Press, Woodstock, N.Y. 1977. P.98.

Lot Essay

William Hamlet was a Bath silhouette artist, who for many years was known only by his work and his surname. A trade label was discovered on one of his works, which gave the Christian name, he had hitherto concealed, William 'Bill' Hamlet. Research has disclosed that there was not one 'Hamlet' but two, and from an authentic label reading '17 Union Passage, Bath, a father Son relationship was discovered.

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