Rowland, J.C., all Welsh costume
John Cambrian Rowland (1818 - 1890), sketched women in Welsh costume and painted some of them in a group which was published as a print in 1848. Very similar prints were produced by other artists and publishers during the early 1850s.
Rowland was born in Lledrod, Cardiganshire and moved to Caernarfon where he worked as an art teacher from the 1850s until his death.
A number of his original sketches and watercolours were given by his son to the National Museum of Wales.
(1) There are at least five editions of his WELSH COSTUMES / Errand girl, Farmer's daughter, Market woman, Winter costume, Llanarth girl.
(2a) Original drawing and watercolour ‘Jenny Jones’, 1849
(2b) Two fine sketches, one unfinished, both signed ‘JCR 1849’which are very similar to the sketch of Jenny Jones in the National Library collection, dated 1849 (National Museum of Wales)
(2c) Print ‘JENNY JONES / E. Walker lith J.C. Rowland del / Published by T. Catherall, Eastgate Row, Chester / Day & Son. Lithrs to the Queen / The Words by Charles Mathews. The Music by John Parry’
(2d) Postcard, ‘Jenny Jones’, Frith’s Series
(3) WELSH WEDDING. / RUNNING AWAY WITH THE BRIDE
By J Brandard after J.C. Rowland, published by T. Catherall, Chester & Bangor, 1851
(4) A photocopy of a watercolour now in a private collection: “Fair Day, Builth, Brecnokshire" indistinctly signed (? By J.C. Rowland) in pencil with date 1840? verso. (From the auction catalogue, Peter Francis, Carmarthen, 20th July, 2010)
(5a) A watercolour of ‘The Bellringer of Caernarvon’ (National Museum of Wales)
(5b) Oil painting ‘Bellringer of Caernarvon in costume of trade’ (National Library of Wales)
(6a) The original sketch of ‘The Bidder’ signed J.C. Rowland, 1849. This depicts a man about to announce a bidding to the occupants of a cottage. (National Museum of Wales)
(6b) A print of ‘The Bidder. T Catherall, Eastgate Row, Chester, June 1st 1850’
The Rowland collection in the National Museum also includes:
(a) A watercolour entitled: ‘North Wales Costumes / Winter, Flintshire, Caernarvonshire, Anglesey, Parson's daughter’ Signed J C Rowland with some illegible text below the signature. (NMW A 2060) The parson’s daughter is almost identical to the farmer’s daughter in the published print.
(b) Some fine pencil and watercolour studies of women in Welsh costume and of men in the album, and of an elderly woman, seated, reading by candlelight.
