Raymond Ray-Jones (1886 - 1942)

Painter and printmaker, born at Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. His first position following his formative school years was in the drawing office of the National Gas and Oil Engine Company, Ashton and simultaneously he took drawing classes at Heginbottom School of Art, Ashton-under-Lyne. He won a scholarship to the RCA, London where his tutors included Gerald Moira and Frank Short, 1907-11. Ray-Jones furthered his studies in Paris when he entered the studio of Jean Paul Laurens at the Académie Julian, Paris in 1911. In Paris, he was awarded prizes and medals for his work. Raymond Jones worked under his given name up to 1913, and following this, all his works are listed under Raymond Ray-Jones. The name change has caused a degree of confusion, and it is not clear in many catalogues and lists that the two names relate to the same artist. This point is illustrated in the Royal Academy's exhibitor lists where he is catalogued, separately