William James Neatby

1896 - 1910

United Kingdom Neatby was born in Barnsley, Yorkshire and at the age of about 15 was articled to a firm of architects, subsequently working in that profession for two years. However, in about 1885 he joined Burmantofts Potteries, Leeds as a designer and began a career as a craft worker painting miniatures and murals, designing metalwork, stained glass, enamels and furniture and producing tiles and items of sculpture. He was also known to have produced a number of wallpaper designs. As a ceramic sculptor he is best known for his designs for the tiles in Harrods food hall although as the chief artist for Doulton's of Lambeth, who he joined in 1889, his work is widespread. He was a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters and exhibited as a painter at the Royal Academy. He died in London in 1910.