Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876-1936)
As a child, Robert Grafton was adopted by his mother’s second husband and took his last name. When Grafton was eighteen years old and pursuing a career as an artist, he returned to his place of birth in England, and for a short time assumed his birth father’s name of McCune. Shortly upon returning to America, he gave up the name Robert McCune and used his adopted name of Robert W. Grafton. Ref: Family of Robert W. Grafton, 2002.
The Midwesterner Robert Grafton studied art at the Chicago Art Institute and the Academie Julian in Paris. He made many extended visits to New Orleans between 1915 and 1928. His fellow artist and friend Louis Oscar Griffith often traveled south with Wadsworth to New Orleans to paint. Working in a color filled impressionist style, the two artists often worked side by side. painting the historic buildings of the area. The New Basin Canal, French Market, St. Roch Cathedral and St. Louis Cathedral were picturesque sights that inspired the artist.
He was active in the New Orleans Art Association and a founding member of the Arts and Crafts Club. In collaboration with Louis Oscar Griffith, Grafton painted two horseracing murals for the St. Charles Hotel in 1928. The same year, the hotel hosted a two-man exhibition of Grafton and Griffith scenic views of the city.
He exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, Delgado Museum, New Orleans Art Association, Richmond Art Association, and the Hoosier Salon. His work is in numerous important public collections in the South and the Midwest.
Information courtesy of Neal Auction Company