William Henry Gore (1857-1942)

W.H. Gore was born in Northbrook St and later, when his father George died moved to London Road, Speenhamland to live with his uncle William Chubb. He was a member of the Congregational Church and later painted the 1914-18 War Memorial displayed in the church. (now displayed in the Newbury Town Hall entrance)

Gore, having won prizes in the National Art Competition, entered the Royal Academy Schools. He developed two basic styles: one of pictures of animals and children; the other landscapes and rural scenes with figures. He exhibited and sold paintings widely, including St Louis and New Zealand.

More recently, in 2006, one of Gore’s paintings (In Disgrace – link) was sold by the Leverhulme Trust for £42,000. Several of his paintings are available through the internet as prints or reproductions.

William Gore lived  at No 3 Donnington Square and his simple studio in the back garden appears on the 1900 map – the large corrugated metal structure is still there today.

Newbury Museum has two of his paintings, one of a shepherd and his flock of sheep on the downs (A Pastoral) and the other (Bell Mount) of the turning to Bagnor off Lambourn Road.

Further Reading

Newbury Town Council (2008) Donnington Square Conservation Area Report (http://www.newbury.gov.uk/News/Donnington%20Sq%20Report%20%20Final%20Version%20180708.pdf)

Wheeler, M. (1992), William Henry Gore. A Victorian/Edwardian Painter 1857-1942, Bromsgrove, Wheeler.

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