Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-07-24
Ghildren's department.
81 WILL TRY.N

1ueT6 Is q SOCleLy Ill Aouuoii, huoWu 90 Iii'
Society of Arts It's object is the encourage
ment of talent in the departments Of art
Prizes are awarded by the society, sometimes
to painters for their pictures, and sometimes
| to humber artisans for improvements ir
weaving, or in the manufacture of bonnets
lace, etc.
More than half a century ago, a little fel
low named William Ross, not twelve years
of age, was talking with his mother about an
exhibition of paintings at the society's rooms
William was very fond of paintings, and
could himself draw and color with remarka
BILE skill.
"Look you, William" said his mother, 81
saw some paintings in the exhibition, which
did not seem to me half as good as some of
yours"
"Do you really think so, mother % he asked
II am sure of it," she replied. 81 saw
some paintings inferior, both in color and
drawing, to some that are hanging in your
chamber"
William knew that his mother was no fiat
terer, and he said, 81 have mind to ask per-
mission to hang one or two of my paintings
on the walls at the next exhibition"
"Why not try for one of the prizes!' asked
his mother.
"Oh mother, do you think should stand
any chance of success ?"
"Nothing venture, nothing have" said his
mother "you can but try"
"And I will try, mother, dear, said Will
liam. 81 have historical subject in my
head, out of which I think can make pic
ture."
"What is it, William!
"The death of Wat Tyler. You have heard
of him? He led mob in the time of Rich
ard the Second He behaved insolently be-
fore the king at Smithfeld, and was struck
down by Walworth, Mayor of London, and
then despatched by the kings attendants"
"It is bold subject, William; but I will
say nothing to deter you from trying it."
eff I fail, mother, where will be the harm
I can try again" -,
"To be sure you can, William. So we will
not be disappointed should you not succeed
in winning the silver pallete, offered by the
society for the best historical painting.
Without more ado, little William went to
work. He first acquainted himself with the
various costumes of the year 1871 he learned
how the king and the noblemen used to dress
and what sort of clothes were worn by the
poor people and workmen, to which class Wat
Tyler belonged. He also learned what sort
of weapons were carried in those days.
After having given some time to the study
of these things, he acquainted himself thor
oughly with the historical incidents attending
the death of the bold rioter He grouped, in
imagination, the persons present, at the scene,
the king and his attendants ; Walworth, the
mayor; Wat Tyler himself, and in the back
ground some of his rufianly companions.
The difficulty now was to select that period
of the action best fitted for picture, and to
group the figures, in attitudes the most natu-
raj and expressive Many times did little
William make sketch on paper, and obite-
rate it, dissatisfied with his work. At times,
he almost despaired of accomplishing any
thing that should do justice to the conception
in his mind. But after many failures, he
completed sketch which he decided to trans
fer to canvas.
He now labored diligently at his task, and
took every opportunity to improve himself in
knowledge of colors and their effects. AT
length the day for handing in his picture ar
rived. He then had to wait month before
there was any decision as to its merits.
On the day appointed for the announcing
of the decision, many persons of distinction
were present, including ladies' The meeting
was presided over by the Duke of Norfolk.
Williams mother was present, of course.
She sat waiting the result with beating
heart. What gratified mother she was
when, after the transaction of some uninter-
esting business, it was announced that the
prize of silver palette for the best historical
painting was awarded to the painter of the
picture entitled, "The Death of Wat Tyler"
When it was found that William Ross was
the successful artist, the applause of the au-
dence broke fo.th with enthusiasm. TO see
such little fellow gain prize over competi.
tors of mature age was novelty and surprise.
William was summoned with his picture, to
the Dukes chair, and here he received such
encouragement as was of great service to him
in his future career He became at length
Sir William Ross, miniature painter to the
queen, having risen to fortune and to fame by
carrying out, with determination and perse-
verence, his simple promise to his mother, OF
II will try."
WHIcH-"Yes, mother, know ; but then,
you see, my good feelings only last half a
jiffy." So said my boy to me last evening in
answer to my appeal.
81 know it, Henry" said l "but how long
does it take to switch off locomotive on to
n L