Harry William Adams was an accomplished painter of naturalistic landscapes who exhibited at London’s Royal Academy.
Adams was raised in the quaint village of ‘Tything of Whistones’, and studied initially at the Worcester School of Art before pursuing a career at the Royal Worcester Porcelain Factory, where he worked for eight years.
However, his aptitude for painting soon warranted his entire focus, and he travelled to Paris to train at the formidable Académie Julian. He did so at a time when the French capital was thriving and in the midst of the Belle Époque - a vibrant period of societal change and iconic design.
Upon his return from France, his decision to switch to painting was rewarded when, in 1896, he debuted at London’s Royal Academy. This, in turn, led to greater opportunities and his career began to flourish.
His works are often characterised by easy, somewhat loose, brushwork, which is closer to the Impressionists than it is to traditional British landscape paintings. It’s evident that he produced most of these on the spot, working ‘en plein air’, and was doing so prior to his training in France. His colouring is nearly always muted, which amplifies the sense of tranquillity that floods his canvases.
During the early 20th century, the census records him as living at Frog Hall, Upton Snodsbury, Worcestershire, with the Bomford family before moving to Martley with his wife, Nancy. It was here, while in Martley, when his ‘Winter Sleep’ was acquired by the nation via the Chantrey Bequest. It's currently at the Tate in London.
Later in life, he was employed as an Assistant Art Master at the Victoria Institute of Worcester (which is now home to the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum). Nancy was also working as an art teacher and the pair undoubtedly influenced scores of budding artists.
Aside from the Tate, he's also represented at the Grundy Art Gallery, Torre Abbey Museum, and at Worcester.
Exhibited
Royal Academy, Victoria Institute, Royal Society of British Artists, Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, Walker Art Gallery, Manchester City Art Gallery, New Gallery, Royal Cambrian Academy.
Public Collections
Tate, Grundy Art Gallery, Torre Abbey Museum, Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.
Timeline
1868
Born in Claines, Worcestershire, to William H Adams, a glover, and Sarah Adams.
1871
Lived in Tything of Whistones with his parents and siblings.
1881
Lived in Tything of Whistones with his parents and siblings.
Studied at the Worcester School of Art.
Employed as a decorative artist at the Royal Worcester Porcelain Factory for eight years.
1891
Lived in Tything of Whistones with his parents and siblings. Occupation recorded as ‘Student Landscape Art’.
1895-1896
Studied at the Academie Julian in Paris.
1896
Debuted at the Royal Academy with ‘December’s Royal Robe’.
Shown at the Victoria Institute.
1901
Lived at Frog Hall, Upton Snodsbury, Worcestershire, with the Bomford family. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist’.
1911
Lived in Martley, Worcestershire with his wife, Nancy. Occupation recorded as ‘Painter (Artist).
1913
His ‘Winter Sleep’ was acquired by the Chantrey Bequest. This is currently in the collection at the Tate, London.
1921
Lived in with his wife Nancy, an art teacher. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist, Assistant Art Master’. He was employed by the Victoria Institute of Worcester (which is now home to the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum).
1947
Died.