About THE AUTHORS
Clare Beavis Wiggill née Stanley was born in Johannesburg in 1947 to Richard and Daphne Stanley. Richard Stanley was a grandson of Richard Beavis, his mother being Edith Irene Elizabeth Gurney Beavis, fifth born of Richard Beavis and Laura Lucy Rafarel.
The significance of Clare’s second name was related to her as a young girl by her father and her two aunts. Although they never knew their grandfather, they certainly were aware of his artistic acclaim. A few Beavis sketch books and paintings are in Clare’s possession, handed down through the family.
Clare, began research with her husband Theo into the Art, Life and Times of Richard Beavis. An auction house in the United Kingdom reported that not much was known about his childhood and his family life, which was one of the catalysts for the book.
Time was spent in Sidmouth and the Sidmouth Museum, the V&A, The Royal Watercolour Society Bankside Gallery, The Courtauld and Witt Library, the Guildhall and visits to Richard Beavis’ homes.
The research and discoveries of the many touch points of Richard Beavis’ life have been a most enriching experience for both Clare and Theo Wiggill.