Description:William Pope Rhodes was born 14 November 1848.
He lived in Liverpool Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, with his parents, George and Sarah Rhodes, and three siblings. William attended The Art School in King Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, which focused on teaching art for the pottery trade, and won the bronze ‘National Medal for Success in Art’ amongst other prizes. In October 1869, he obtained a National Scholarship for his designs for porcelain, and is listed as Assistant Master for the School of Art in the years 1869-1870.
In 1872, William married Leticia Brade in Manchester with whom he had three children; Gertrude, William and Dora. In 1874, William became ill and developed weakness in his hands and arms. It is thought that this weakness was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from the gas heaters in his studio. The family moved to Wales where William received treatment at the Hydropathic Establishment in Llandudno. Due to the weakness in his arms, William learned how to paint with his feet and sold his paintings in order to pay for the treatment.
In August 1876, William accompanied his doctor, Henry Thomas, on a voyage to Australia on the Carlisle Castle. Unfortunately, the treatment and the voyage did not help his condition and he returned to Wales where he died on 16 April 1878 aged just 29.