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Alfred Hatton, Drawing
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The artist's father Alfred Hatton was a keen sportsman who played tennis, cricket and golf; he was one of the founders of the Herefordshire Golf Club. As a young man he raced a penny farthing bicycle. The family wealth was established in glove-making and tanning. Alfred was occupied with the leather business and the factory in St. Peters Street produced the 'Wye boot'. This portrait in red chalk shows a serious rather austere figure but the letters indicate a strong father/son bond. The letter from father to son, on the subject of Brian's hasty marriage, shows how much he valued his father's approval. 'I have just got married to Biddy today by soldier's licence. I only decided to go through with it last night and got Biddy down to talk it over with her... I hope when you get over this shock you will give us your blessing. We shall need all that we can get! Yes, I know I am a silly young fool and all that. But I am still your loving son, Brian.' In October 1915 the artist was informed that he was to join a draft of officers going olverseas and he was to embark at Devonport on 12 October. He returned to Hereford to bid farewell to his family. They were destined never to meet again. He wrote to his grandmother from the train. 'I left Hereford at 3.37 a.m. this morning - Dad came down to see me off this morning like a good angel at that uncivilised hour.'
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | 1975-7/573 |
| Date | 1909 |
| Period | Modern |
| Collection | Fine Art |
| Technique | Drawing |
| Medium | Chalk |
| Creator | HATTON, Brian |
| Name | HATTON, Brian |
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