Herbert Johnson Harvey was a British artist predominantly known for his old master inspired scenes with figures in domestic settings. He was also an accomplished portraitist. He was trained initially by his father, the animal and landscape painter John Rabone Harvey RBSA, and later enrolled at the Birmingham School of Art followed by the Royal College of Art.
He exhibited primarily with the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists where he became a member but also at the Royal Academy and Paris Salon. During World War I, he became friends with Winston Churchill and gave him painting lessons.
His works are held in numerous public collections including at the British Museum.
Exhibited
Royal Academy, Paris Salon, Royal Society of Artists in Birmingham, Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, Hull.
Public Collections
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, British Museum, Yale University, Birmingham Museums, Rhode Island School of Design Museum
Timeline
1884
Born in Fulham, London, to John Rabone Harvey, an artist, and Hannah Harvey.
1891
Lived with his family in Aston, Birmingham.
1901
Lived with family in Sparkhill, Birmingham. Occupation listed as ‘Chaser in Silver Gold’. A ‘chaser’ was responsible for applying decorative designs to silverware and goldware.
Studied at the Birmingham School of Art.
1908
Lived in Sparkhill, Birmingham.
Reviewed in ‘The News’ following an exhibition of the Royal Society of Artists in Birmingham.
“Mr. John R. Harvey's 486, ‘A Chalk Pit’ is distinguished no less for its poetic conception than for its mastery of technique. Subdued in tone and appealing to one as it docs by the subtle suggestiveness of mystery in its shadows, it is an eloquent example of the artist's serious aim in art.”
Studied at the Royal College of Art and later Italy.
1910
Debuted at the Royal Academy with ‘The Smile’.
1911
Boarding in Kensington, London.During World War I, he taught Winston Churchill and produced a portrait of his wife Clementine.
1921
Lived with his wife, Gertrude Lilian Harvey, and two children in Earl’s Court, London.
1924
Elected a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.
1926
Lived in Earl’s Court, London.
1927
Travelled to Genoa, Italy, and Algiers, Algeria.
1928
Died in London.