Charles Wild

Charles Wild (1781–1835) was an English watercolour artist, known as a specialist in architecture.

Life Born in London, England, he was articled young to Thomas Malton, and concentrated on architectural subjects from the outset of his career. In 1803, Wild began to exhibit in the Royal Academy. On 15 February 1809, he was elected an associate of the Old Watercolour Society, becoming a full member on 8 June 1812. He soon gave up his membership, but then was re-elected on 12 February 1821; he was treasurer in 1822, and then secretary in 1827 until 1832 when Robert Hills took over.

In 1827, Wild's sight began to fail, and in 1832 he became blind. He died on 4 August 1835 at 35 Albemarle Street, Piccadilly, where he had lived since 1820. His children included the architect James William Wild.

Travels on the continent resulted in Wild's Examples of the Ecclesiastical Architecture of the Middle Ages chiefly in France, and a volume published in 1833 of sketches in Belgium, Germany, and France. A miscellaneous collection, entitled Twelve Beautiful Specimens, from the Cathedrals of England, lacked a date. Architectural Grandeur appeared in 1837, consisting of continental sketches that were etched by John Le Keux and others.