MYSTIC ARTIST DEAD

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 947, 14 April 1930, Page 9

MYSTIC ARTIST DEAD

EX-NEW ZEALANDER FOUND GASSED WORK WAS INSPIRED United I*.A. —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, Saturday. The body of an artist, W. H. Atkinson, who is believed to have come to London from New Zealand, and who was cabled yesterday as Atkinson Dewar, was found in a lodging house in York Street, Marylebone. Death had been caused by gas poisoning. Deceased had been living m York Street for some months. His landlady nelieved he was a clerk from Man* cnester, but he was said to have relatives in New Zealand. He was of a very retiring disposition and the door of his room was always closed, though a light was visible there until the early hours of the morning. Atkinson had claimed that liis work was inspired from the spirit world. Soon after his arrival in London he made friends in spiritualistic circles and had conversations with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

According to the “Daily Express” a book dealing with psychic matters was found on a table beside deceased’s bed. It was open at a verse describing a meeting with a spirit. Some of the lines had been heavily underlined with a pencil.

The mysticism which surrounded the unnatural ability of W. 11. Atkinson was mentioned in a long article in The Sun ten days ago. Mr. Atkinson, guided by some curious, unexplained force, produced unique and beautiful designs which were eagerly sought by such reputable English firms as Liberty’s, the British Celanese Company, and the Imperial Tobacco Company.

During a visit to Auckland some time ago he consulted Mr. A. J. C. Fisher, director of the Elam School of Art. Mr. Fisher was at first sceptical, but later was persuaded that* Mr. Atkinson was producing some remarkable work. He advised him to go to London and sell his designs in the commercial "world there.

Reports from London recently indicated that the explanations of his work given by the Spiritualists were not convincing him. Yet his letters told of gratifying success. ‘ “I am getting all sorts of designs now—ironwork, pottery, leathemvork, advei'tising and books,” he wrote recently. “If I let the subconscious mind have full play I get exceedingly elaborate designs. ... I have been unable to get tLus why and the wherefore of my subconscious efforts. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tells me I have an old artist working with by hand.” Little was known of Mr. Atkinson, who was about 46 years of age. He was born at Sheffield. England, and in his younger days he was a professional Soccer player. Apparently he was a keen sportsman, and had lived in New Zealand for several years.