Henry Ladbrooke was a notable landscape painter known for capturing rugged local topography. He was the son of Robert Ladbrooke, one of the founders of the Norwich School of Painters. Early in life, he sought to pursue a career in the clergy but when his father spotted his talent with a pencil, he was urged to follow artistic endeavours. He was trained by his uncle, ‘Old’ John Crome, and soon began exhibiting - he was first shown at the ‘Norwich Society’ in 1821.

Like many of his local contemporaries, he was semi-professional, so also worked as a Drawing and Writing Master. His daughter, Fanny, helped with the lessons during his time in King’s Lynn.

His approach was similar to that of his father’s, which was based upon earlier Dutch models. The Norwich School artists were keen admirers of the Dutch masters, such as Meindert Hobbema (1638-1709) and Jacob van Ruisdael (1628/9-1682). His attention to detail is quite painstaking and he spent considerable time perfecting each work. Trees are particularly intricate with branches studied carefully.

Henry Ladbrooke exhibited at Norwich Castle, the British Institution, and the Royal Society of British Artists. He’s represented at Norfolk Museum Service and Atkinson Art Gallery Collection.

Exhibited

British Institution, the Royal Society of British Artists.

Public Collections

Norfolk Museum Service, Atkinson Art Gallery Collection.

Timeline

1800

Born in Norwich to Robert Ladbrooke, an artist, and Mary Ladbrooke (nee Berney).

1823

Married Elizabeth Mary Bagg at St John Timberhill, Norwich.

1841

Lived in King’s Lynn, Norfolk with his wife and six children.

1851

Lived in King’s Lynn, Norfolk with his wife, five children, and a servant.

1855

Debuted at the Royal Society of British Artists with ‘Cromer, Norfolk’ and ‘Scene on the Witham, near Lincoln’.

1869

Died in Norwich.