William Spencer Bagdatopoulis (1888-1965) - Wayang Orang,

Etching, nr.1/75, 27 x 19 cm.

William Spencer Bagdatopoulos

1888
Born on the island of Zante (Zakynthos), Greece, to Greek-English parents. Spent childhood in the Netherlands and began formal art studies at the Rotterdam Academy at age 11.

Early 1900s
As a teenager, traveled and painted in Egypt and Palestine; studied at the Athens Academy.

1908
Moved to London, established himself as an artist, and began receiving commissions for portraits, illustrations, murals, and posters for major companies and railways.

1909
Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, England.

1913
Awarded a medal at the National Competition in South Kensington.

World War I
Served with the British Army.

1924–1926
Commissioned by the Times of India to travel and paint across India. Created iconic Orientalist works depicting landmarks such as the Golden Temple, Madurai gopuram, and the Taj Mahal. Produced celebrated travel posters for the Indian Railways Promotion Bureau, which remain highly collectible.

Late 1920s
Returned to England, designed posters for luxury Pullman trains like the Golden Arrow and Étoile du Nord.

1928
Moved to the United States, settling in Santa Barbara, California. Worked as a portrait painter, advertising artist, and set designer for theater and film.

Later Career
Focused on printmaking, producing etchings, lithographs, and woodcuts, often with Orientalist themes. Exhibited widely in the United States and Europe.

Recognition & Legacy

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, England.
• Medalist at the National Competition, South Kensington.
• Chief artist and pictorial advisor to the Times of India magazine; recognized as an authority on Eastern advertising.
• His posters for Indian Railways and luxury trains are considered classics of travel advertising and are highly sought after by collectors.
• Prolific printmaker with works exhibited in Europe and the United States.

Museum Collections & Exhibitions

• Bagdatopoulos’ works have been exhibited in major galleries and are represented in museum and institutional collections in the UK, India, and the United States.
• His posters and paintings are featured in art archives and are available through major art image libraries, such as Bridgeman Images, which partners with leading museums and galleries.