Frederick William Jackson NEAC (1859-1918)

Jackson was born in 1859 at Middleton Junction, the son of a photographer and gallery owner. After leaving school he attended evening classes at Oldham School of Art and then studied in Manchester.

In the early part of his career he received help with money and materials from one of his brothers, Charles, who owned a gallery in Manchester.

Jackson established his reputation in the 1880’s. Following the Academy Exhibitions in 1880 and 1881 he was elected a member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Art. 1880 also saw his first work accepted by the Royal Academy.

The early 1880’s saw Jackson spending time studying in Paris, and in 1884 and 1885 he had works accepted by the Paris Salon.

Jackson became a founder member of the New English Art Club (NEAC) in 1886, but appears to have had little dealings with the more progressive members such as Sickart and Steer. He was however much involved with the Arts and Crafts movement, primarily through his friendship with the architect and artist Edgar Wood.

In 1894 Jackson became a member of the Society of British Artists.

As was common with artists of this generation, Jackson traveled widely, not just in Europe, but also visiting north Africa and Russia. He eventually married and settled in Whitby becoming a member of the Staithes group of artists.