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Quinton Local History Society´s `H.R. Wilson´s Quinton Story´
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Quinton Local History Society’s evocative ‘H.R. Wilson’s Quinton Story’ is a collection of paintings and drawings by local artist, Horace Wilson (1911-2006) student of Birmingham School of Arts & Crafts and a regular exhibitor throughout the Midlands, who won his first art prize aged nine. The ancient township of Quinton was part of Hales Owen until annexed by Birmingham in 1909.
With commentaries on the book’s 28 paintings and drawings by local historian Dr Michael Hall, Wilson’s Quinton scenes, produced largely during the second half of the 20th century, capture once significant landmarks now mostly gone. For that reason, if none other, these are powerful images, inviting the viewer to look closely, to reflect carefully and to allow what H.R. Wilson saw and cared about to continue to speak and inform our understanding.
Prior to World War II, Quinton remained very much an agricultural community in which the presence of the Methodist cause predated the arrival of the Anglican Church – themes which Wilson regularly addressed.
Listed as a Hales Owen Abbey Grange Farm in the 13th century, Redhall Farm doubtless had a succession of farm houses. The last, painted by Wilson, captures the rural charm of this significant building just three years before its demolition, offering a glimpse of one important aspect of Quinton’s landscape which is now lost and largely forgotten. preached 90 years earlier. It continued to serve Quinton Wesleyans until 1935, ending its days as the Postmen’s (Sorting) Office, before demolition around 1948. H.R. Wilson’s painting of the chapel in winter looks towards Hales Owen from the junction of College Road and Hagley Road West and shows the chapel dominating the Toll House, by then a private residence.
The Anglican Christ Church (opened 1840), one of just three remaining Quinton buildings which Wilson painted, was also one of his most popular subjects. In addition to the painting shown here are pen and ink drawings from the same perspective, and watercolours and architectural sketches from the North and North East. n
By Dr Michael Hall
‘H.R. Wilson’s Quinton Story’ (46pp, hardback) is a limited edition of 100 copies. As there will be no re-print the book has become a desirable collectors’ item. Remaining copies are available at the remarkably low price of £15 (including p&p) from QLHS, 32 Barston Road. Oldbury, West Midlands, B68 0PS.
