Description

Owen Bowen biography

Owen Bowen, born in Leeds in 1873 to a family of Welsh heritage, was the grandson of the highly regarded Reverend Samuel Brown of Llanelly (1799–1887). His great-grandfather, David Bowen, was one of the founders of the Independent Church in Blaen-y-coed. Bowen’s formal artistic journey began with evening classes at the Leeds School of Art, where he studied under the distinguished William Gilbert Foster (1855–1906). Early in his career, he honed his craft as a pottery designer and lithography apprentice.

In the early 20th century, Bowen expanded his horizons with travels to Holland, where he captured evocative maritime landscapes and iconic windmill scenes. His talent and dedication earned him widespread recognition; in 1904, he was elected an Associate of the Royal Cambrian Academy, becoming a full member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1917. Bowen’s accomplishments culminated in 1947 when he was appointed President of the Royal Cambrian Academy.

Bowen exhibited at several of the principal institutions including the Royal Academy, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts – of which he was a member – as well as public galleries in Leeds, Bradford, Bristol, and Birmingham. A founding member of the esteemed Staithes Group of artists, Bowen shared this distinction with celebrated figures such as his mentor William Gilbert Foster and the renowned Dame Laura Knight and Harold Knight.

Bowen’s works are found in numerous private and public collections. His paintings remain highly sought after, a testament to his enduring legacy in the art world.

Available works by Modern British artists.