Portrait of Mrs. Muriel Waddington and her Daughter Joan

Charles Buchel was born in Mainz, Germany, but came to England as a child. He studied at the Royal Academy schools. In 1898 he began to work for the actor/manager, Herbert Beerbohm Tree, with whom he was closely associated for the next sixteen years. He painted many portraits of Tree, as well as posters, programmes and other theatrical works. As a result of this Buchel became well known in theatrical circles and painted many leading stars of the day, including Henry Irving, Lily Langtry and George Alexander. He also illustrated several theatrical magazines. In addition to theatrical sitters, Buchel painted other private portrait commissions, such as this one, in a very sympathetic and elegant style.

Further information about Buchel is to be found in The Windsor Magazine, 1933, where he wrote an article on "Some Famous People I have Painted". His son lives in London and remembers both Mrs Waddington and her daugther.