Wilton

Introduction:

Though London-born, EDWARD WILLTON (1786-1840) spent almost his entire working life trading from premises opposite Portsmouth's Royal Dockyard. A Carver, Gilder, Stationer, Tea, Insurance and Lottery agent, he was also a profile painter of moderate merit. However, though well placed to attract potential custom, few profiles by him are recorded.

Apprenticed in London to a 'Painter and Stainer' in June 1801, Willton possibly acquired the art of profile taking during his term of servitude. Marrying in the Capital 5 years later, at some point before 1809, for reasons unknown, he relocated to Portsea, Hampshire as a Carver and Gilder. Interestingly the Yale University Art Gallery houses a mirror, presumably signed by Willton - its pinewood frame, doubtless influenced by Portsea's maritime heritage, being decorated with carved drapery, dolphins and anchors. Quite how many Willton profiles decorated clients' abodes is impossible to gauge. Likely there were considerably more than the low number of extant works suggests.

Though no description was proffered, his earliest known profile, formerly in the Wellesley Collection, was dated 1809, and bore a studio address in Portsea's Queen Street. A second trade-labelled work ca.1820 from the same studio, is illustrated by McKechnie. The plain black female sitter is competently painted, though detailing is sketchily applied. Two bronzed works, presumed to be husband and wife, are also recorded. Dated August 1820, both are heavily gilded; however the highlighting of the woman's attire is rendered with skill. All are bust-sized with variable bust-line terminations, all at 51mm by 64mm are smaller than 'standard' size profiles.

As far as known, Willton never advertised in newsprint or issued handbills so his terms and duration of his profile taking venture are unrecorded. However, a small 1.5cm by 2.5 cm oval trade label surely indicated the expectation of a reasonable flow of custom.Printed on mid-blue or plain paper all read 'WILLTON, PROFILIST, Golden Hope, 56 Queen Street, corner of White's Row, PORTSEA'. And it's possible Willton added ' Golden Hope' to his address as a nod to hopefull lottery ticket purchasers as no beer or public house bears the name in any relevant directories.

Between July 1816 and February 1833 Willton regularly appears as an Agent in HAMPSHIRE CHRONICLE advertisements placed by Lottery, Tea and Insurance companies. Generally recorded a Carver and Gilder, in September 1825 he is listed a 'Stationer' but never as a profilist'. In addition PIGOTS 1828 directory records him a 'Carver and Gilder' and evidences Mrs Mantle's 'China and Glass Warehouse'  also operating from the same Queen St premises. 

Regarding Wilton's personal circumstances, he was the 2nd of 8 offspring - 1 daughter and 7 sons - born in London between 1785-1797 to Anne nee McKenzie (n/k) the 2nd wife of Coldstream Guardsman, Zacharia Wilton (1752-1819). Seemingly only the future profilist and his brother William (born 1788) reached adulthood.

A career soldier for over 18 years, serving exclusively in the 2nd (Coldstream Regiment) of Foot Guards, twice wounded in America and achieving the rank of sergeant, Zacharia Willton was discharged as 'Infirm and worn out' in October 1790. Whatever their nature his infirmities appeared no impediment to fathering a further 5 children and serving as a Lieutenant in the Essex Fencible Cavalry and West Middlesex militia. Wed 3 times in London, he would at some point after his 3rd marriage in 1806 relocate to Portsea, likely to be close at hand to sons Edward and William, before dying there in March 1819.

The profilist's brother William, like their father, was also 3 times wed. Unnfortunately for him, when his 2nd marriage of 1811 proved bigamous, he was, in September 1814, sentenced to 6 months' hard labour at London's Old Bailey, after which he too decamped to Portsea. Marrying in the town in February 1820, his 3rd wife bore 4 sons and 1 daughter between 1821-1830. Baptismal registrations record his occupation as 'Gilder', though PIGOTS 1828 directory lists him a 'Furniture Broker'.

Edward Willton himself wed once, marrying Berkshire-born Jane King (1786-1859) at St. George's Hanover Square, Westminster, 6th July 1806. Their only offspring, Edward Willton Jnr, baptised in November 1814, died at Queen Street 19 months later in July 1816. Making a will in December 1835, Willton left about £450 - in 2026 terms - to his brother. His wife would inherit his entire estate as well as a recently acquired property noted in a codicil the following December. Listed a 'Proprietor of Houses' in the 1851 Census, Jane Willton died age 73 in Portsea in February 1859.

Aged 54, Edward Willton's death was registered in Portsea July-September 1840. His place of interment is unknown.

REVISED: 15 March 2026 (Brian Wellings)

 

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