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Winnett's Artwork Page

William Evan's work

Life History of William Evans (28/11/1894-28/11/1981)

Married Stella Rea. Two children, Marion and Walter

William Evans Caerleon College Feb.1917 William was the eldest son of Mary (Polly!) and William Evans. His father was a miner in a local colliery and mother a trained milliner and dressmaker. Both married very young, in the local registry office Neath Glam. Five brothers and two sisters survived. William grew up in a grey stone built house, with four bedrooms, no bathroom and an outside loo, Bryn Siriol 15 Penyard Neath Abbey. A long garden which provided home grown vegetables and a chicken run. The site was high up and bordered by fields. A small water spout dripped outside the gate, it was always running and fresh and drinkable. William went to the local Elementary school, and then to the Neath Grammar School for Boys. Before joining the Navy in the 1st World war, he spent some time at Swansea Art School. He served with the Dover Patrol, and after the war went to (Newport) Teacher training college at Caerleon (for men) and qualified as a general school teacher. He taught at a local Elementary School then was appointed to what was then a Central School 'Hatherleigh' Lawrence Hill Newport Gwent . This was an exceptional school in a lovely old house, on a hill surrounded by large garden. A very creative staff produced a lively atmosphere- music- art and gardening in its curriculum (Johnny Morris was an old student!). (Alteryn Lane or Alt y ryn, Newport). William taught Art and in 1938, moved to a larger Grammar School as Art Master in charge at St Julian's High School. William's son Walter also attended this school. (19 Merlin Crescent Newport) During the 2nd WW William became an Officer in the ATC Corps and was an Air Raid Warden. He took parties of students to Farming Camp in August and ran an aeromodelling club. William was a keen gardener growing his own vegetables and also kept bees. Keen on walking he also took his family on many west country family seaside holidays. William ran Art Education classes at Newport Art School post war. He learnt to drive in his early 50's and drove several times to France. In 1958 he retired and moved with Stella to Bridport to a bungalow 24 Wanderwell. Brothers & Sisters:Andrew, Griffith, Louis, Clifford, Llewlen, Margaret and Ada. Edna was Stella's sister.