James Alphege Brewer

James Alphege Brewer (1881-1946) was a well-known early 20th century producer of colour etchings - notably of English and European Cathedrals and churches and other scenes.[1]

J. Alphege Brewer with his "The Cathedral of St. Gudule.... Brussels, Belgium" (1914) on the easel

"Where Shakespeare Sleeps (Stratford-on-Avon)," a 1921 etching by James Alphege Brewer and his brother Henry C. Brewer.

Brewer was born on 24th July 1881, in Kensington, London, the son of Henry William Brewer, noted artist of historical architecture. His brother was the painter Henry Charles Brewer.[2][3] Their grandfather was the historian John Sherren Brewer and their great uncle was E. Cobham Brewer, compiler of Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable.[4]

Brewer's father and grandfather John Sherren Brewer were notable adherents of the Oxford Movement, inspired by Augustus Pugin.[5] Henry William Brewer and his family, including James Alphege Brewer, became high-profile converts to the Roman Catholic Church.[6]

Brewer exhibited at the Royal Academy of Art[7] and thereafter at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, at the Paris Salon of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, and in the shows of the Royal Cambrian Academy. He was also a member of the Society of Graphic Art, and the Ealing Arts Club, where he was first Honorary Art Secretary and then Honorary Art Chairman.[4]

Brewer and his wife Florence Lucas lived on Avenue Road in Acton throughout their marriage. Florence was the great niece of David Lucas (engraver) who created engravings for John Constable. Henry Charles Brewer also lived in Acton, and the brothers collaborated on many pictures. Brewer died on February 4, 1946, at the age of 64.[4]