Artists and places: William Roberts and the crowded place (2024)

Born into a working-class family in the East End of London, William Roberts (1895–1980) was one of the brilliant generation of artists who studied at the Slade in the first decades of the 20th Century up to the First World War. In 1913 he joined Roger Fry's Omega Workshops but followed Wyndham Lewis with the split and the formation of the Vorticist group. He later noted his approach as that of an 'English Cubist'. He was a war artist in both world wars. Roberts' principal interests were in large figure groupings, and his paintings are always crowded places, teeming with life. Developed in association with Grant Waters, Art Detective Group Leader: South East England, East England and the Midlands.

Artists featured in this Curation:William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)

54 artworks

Storyline Album Showcase

  • The Vorticists at the Restaurant de la Tour Eiffel: Spring, 1915

    The Vorticists at the Restaurant de la Tour Eiffel: Spring, 1915 1961–2
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 182.9 x W 213.4 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • The Return of Ulysses

    The Return of Ulysses c.1913
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 30.5 x W 45.7 cm
    Nottingham City Museums & Galleries

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Nottingham City Museums & Galleries

  • Bond Street

    Bond Street c.1916
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Pencil & watercolour on paper
    H 35.6 x W 25.4 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • A Shell Dump, France

    A Shell Dump, France 1918
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 182.8 x W 317.5 cm
    IWM (Imperial War Museums)

    Image credit: IWM (Imperial War Museums)

  • The Dancers

    The Dancers 1919
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 152 x W 116.5 cm
    Glasgow Life Museums

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Glasgow Life Museums

  • The Diners

    The Diners 1919
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 152.4 x W 83.2 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • The Cinema

    The Cinema 1920
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 91.4 x W 76.2 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • At the Hippodrome

    At the Hippodrome 1921
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 95 x W 90.6 cm
    Leicester Museums and Galleries

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Leicester Museums and Galleries

  • 'Feeds Round!': Stable Time in the Wagon Lines, France

    'Feeds Round!': Stable Time in the Wagon Lines, France 1922
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 51.2 x W 61.2 cm
    IWM (Imperial War Museums)

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: IWM (Imperial War Museums)

  • The Farm (Country Scene)

    The Farm (Country Scene) 1922
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 51 x W 61.5 cm
    The Hepworth Wakefield

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Hepworth Wakefield

  • The Dance Club (The Jazz Party)

    The Dance Club (The Jazz Party) 1923
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 76.2 x W 106.6 cm
    Leeds Museums and Galleries

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Bridgeman Images

  • Study for 'Bank Holiday in the Park'

    Study for 'Bank Holiday in the Park' 1923
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Charcoal on paper with green wash, squared up for transfer in red ink
    H 25.4 x W 20.3 cm
    Museum & Art Swindon

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Museum & Art Swindon

  • The Happy Family

    The Happy Family 1924
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 50 x W 40 cm
    Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

  • The Char

    The Char 1924
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 43.2 x W 33 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • Christ Driving the Moneychangers from the Temple

    Christ Driving the Moneychangers from the Temple 1925
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 47.2 x W 53.3 cm
    Ferens Art Gallery

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Bridgeman Images

  • Deposition from the Cross

    Deposition from the Cross c.1926
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 49.5 x W 59.1 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • The Rhine Boat

    The Rhine Boat c.1928
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 50.8 x W 40.6 cm
    National Galleries of Scotland

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: National Galleries of Scotland

  • The Paddock (Jockeys)

    The Paddock (Jockeys) 1928
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 122.5 x W 92.5 cm
    Bradford Museums and Galleries

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Bradford Museums and Galleries

  • Sawing Wood

    Sawing Wood c.1930
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 46 x W 61.1 cm
    National Museums NI

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: National Museums NI

  • The Dressmakers

    The Dressmakers 1931
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 50.8 x W 40.6 cm
    Victoria Art Gallery

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Victoria Art Gallery

  • Les Routiers

    Les Routiers c.1931
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 101.7 x W 76.3 cm
    National Museums NI

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: National Museums NI

  • The Ballet Dancer

    The Ballet Dancer 1932
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Pencil on paper
    H 17.8 x W 19.7 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • The Ballet

    The Ballet c.1932
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 40.8 x W 45.6 cm
    National Galleries of Scotland

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: National Galleries of Scotland

  • Masks

    Masks 1934
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Pencil on paper
    H 50.8 x W 63.5 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • Playground (The Gutter)

    Playground (The Gutter) 1934–5
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 143.2 x W 159.4 cm
    Tate

    © Tate. Image credit: Tate

  • Spanish Dancers

    Spanish Dancers 1935
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Pencil & crayon on paper, squared for transfer
    H 24 x W 24 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • The Palms Foretell

    The Palms Foretell 1937
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 99.5 x W 79.5 cm
    Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

  • Tea Shop

    Tea Shop 1938
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 82.5 x W 76.2 cm
    Atkinson Art Gallery Collection

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Atkinson Art Gallery Collection

  • Punting on the Cherwell

    Punting on the Cherwell 1939
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 62.3 x W 54.5 cm
    Jerwood Collection

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Jerwood Collection

  • News

    News 1941
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Gouache on paper
    H 34.5 x W 52 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • The Demolition Squad

    The Demolition Squad 1941
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 56 x W 81 cm
    City of London Corporation

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: City of London Corporation

  • The Control Room

    The Control Room 1941
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 59.5 x W 70 cm
    Salford Museum & Art Gallery

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Salford Museum & Art Gallery

  • Soldiers on a Train

    Soldiers on a Train c.1942
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Watercolour on paper, squared for transfer
    H 13.3 x W 18.1 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • Munitions Factory

    Munitions Factory 1940s
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 81 x W 122 cm
    Salford Museum & Art Gallery

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Salford Museum & Art Gallery

  • Cantering to the Post

    Cantering to the Post 1949
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 61 x W 50.8 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • The Temptation of St Anthony

    The Temptation of St Anthony 1950–1
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 152.7 x W 114.9 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • The Goats

    The Goats 1952
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 152.2 x W 119.3 cm
    Hatton Gallery

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Hatton Gallery

  • Revolt in the Desert

    Revolt in the Desert 1952
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 244.7 x W 144.8 cm
    Southampton City Art Gallery

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Southampton City Art Gallery

  • Trooping the Colour

    Trooping the Colour 1958–9
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 182.9 x W 274.3 cm
    Tate

    © Tate. Image credit: Tate

  • The Swimming Bath

    The Swimming Bath c.1959
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Pencil & watercolour on paper
    H 50.8 x W 21.5 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • Study for 'TV'

    Study for 'TV' 1960
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Pencil & watercolour on paper, lightly squared for transfer
    H 25.4 x W 45.7 cm
    Jerwood Collection

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Jerwood Collection

  • T. V.

    T. V. 1960
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 101.7 x W 183 cm
    Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums

  • The Common Market

    The Common Market 1963
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 168 x W 214 cm
    Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Bridgeman Images

  • The Lake

    The Lake 1964
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 190.5 x W 129.5 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • The Seaside

    The Seaside c.1966
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 61 x W 76.2 cm
    Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London

  • Combat

    Combat before 1966
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 60.1 x W 76.2 cm
    Royal Academy of Arts

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Royal Academy of Arts

  • Saturday Night (At the Local)

    Saturday Night (At the Local) 1970
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 76.2 x W 61 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • Demolition

    Demolition 1970
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Pencil on paper, squared for transfer
    H 18.5 x W 13 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • The Art Gallery

    The Art Gallery 1973
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 48.9 x W 59.1 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • Feeding the Seagulls

    Feeding the Seagulls 1974
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 77 x W 66 cm
    Reading Museum

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Reading Museum

  • Study for 'Beauty Queens'

    Study for 'Beauty Queens' c.1974
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Pencil & watercolour on paper, squared for transfer
    H 12.7 x W 15.9 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • Beauty Queens

    Beauty Queens 1974
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 41 x W 51 cm
    The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art

  • The Shooting Party

    The Shooting Party 1976
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 50.5 x W 40.5 cm
    Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales

  • Self-Portrait Wearing a Cap

    Self-Portrait Wearing a Cap 1931
    William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)
    Oil on canvas
    H 55.9 x W 35.9 cm
    Tate

    © estate of John David Roberts. By courtesy of The William Roberts Society. Image credit: Tate

  • William Patrick Roberts (1895–1980)

Artists and places: William Roberts and the crowded place (2024)
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