Pearmain, William Robert, 1888-1912

William Robert Pearmain (1888-1912) was a painter from Dublin, N.H.

The Pearmain family were neighbors of George de Forest Brush in Dublin, N.H., where many artists lived. Samuel Clemens was also a neighbor. Pearmain left Harvard after his first semester to study painting with Brush in Italy. He married Brushs' daughter, Nancy, in 1909, and returned to New York and became active in socialist causes, joining the I.W.W. and working in Pittsburgh, Pa. for the Westinghouse Electric Co. He died of leukemia in 1912. Nancy later married Dr. Harold Bowditch.

From the description of William Robert Pearmain and Pearmain family papers, 1888-1955. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 657037765

Painter; Dublin, N.H.

The Pearmain family were neighbors of George de Forest Brush in Dublin, N.H., where many artists lived. Samuel Clemens was also a neighbor. Pearmain left Harvard after his first semester to study painting with Brush in Italy. He married Brushs' daughter, Nancy, in 1909, and returned to New York and became active in socialist causes, joining the I.W.W. and working in Pittsburgh, Pa. for the Westinghouse Electric Co. He died of leukemia in 1912. Nancy later married Dr. Harold Bowditch.

From the description of William Robert Pearmain and Pearmain family papers, 1862-1955. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 80858864

William Robert Pearmain (1888-1912), known as Robert, was a painter and political activist working in Boston and New York City. Born to a wealthy family in New England, Pearmain attended Harvard University to study architecture and studied painting in Italy under George de Forest Brush.

Between 1907 and 1908, Pearmain travelled through France and Italy studying with Brush and other artists. Upon returning to the United States, Pearmain married the eldest daughter of his mentor, Nancy Douglas Brush in Dublin, New Hampshire. Also an artist, Nancy settled with Robert in Boston and later in New York City. While in New York, Pearmain worked as an assistant to muralist Barry Faulkner. In 1911, the Pearmains welcomed their daughter Mary Alice, whom they called Polly.

While in New York, Pearmain grew dissatisfied with his artistic career. He discovered an interest in the conditions of the working class and his social and political viewpoints became increasingly radical. Despite his privilaged upbringing, he immersed himself in the world of manual labor. Leaving his wife and daughter behind, Robert walked from New York City to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to work at the Westinghouse Electric Company. Additionally, Pearmain became associated with the Industrial Workers of the World organization and participated in anarchist demonstrations.

Soon after arriving in Pittsburgh, Pearmain's health started to fail. His family believed the hard working conditions caused his illness and a doctor suggested that he return to Massachusetts to recover. In September of 1912, Robert Pearmain died of leukemia. Later, Nancy remarried Dr. Harold Bowditch.

From the guide to the William Robert Pearmain and Pearmain family papers, 1888-1955, (Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution)