Henry Park was an accomplished British painter of figures and animals with a particular skill for cattle. There are conflicting sources regarding his training - with his son stating that he studied at Royal Academy Schools (during the time of John Everett Millais) but the lithographer William Day stating that he was self-taught.

His style is reminiscent of his contemporary Thomas Sidney Cooper CVO RA (1803-1902) and the great Dutch painter Aelbert Cuyp (1620-1691).

Exhibited

Royal Academy, British Institution, Royal Society of British Artists (Suffolk Street).

Public Collections

Royal West of England Academy, Sheffield Museums.

Timeline

1816

Born in Bath to Joseph Park and Mary Park (nee Morley).

c.1838

Studied at Royal Academy Schools during the time of a young John Everett Millais.

1846

Married Eliza Mary Park.

1847

Debuted at the Royal Academy with ‘A Cattle Piece’. He exhibited four works in total between 1847 and 1864.

1848

Debuted at the Royal Society of British Artists with ‘The Death Struggle’.

1851

Lived in Bristol with his wife and son, Henry. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist’.

1859

Death of wife, Eliza.

1861

Lived in Bristol with his two sons and a servant. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist. Figures & Animals’.

1863

Debuted at the British Institution with ‘The Alarm’.

1864

Married Mary Davies in Bristol.

1867

Referred to in ‘The Chromolithograph. With Which is Incorporated Nature and Art’ by William Day (lithographer).

“Highland Cattle Grazing By Mr. Henry Park.

This pleasing little picture is the work of a self-taught artist*, who has never enjoyed the advantage of studying in any of the drawing- academies, but who nevertheless, by dint of perseverance, has achieved a considerable reputation as a painter. He may be said to have derived his knowledge from practical observation, only having studied in the hunting field, the market-place, and cover-side. The Highland cattle of Scotland have often been made the subject of his pencil, which he seems to use with more than ordinary power when sketching the wide-spreading horns, rough shaggy coats, and generally picturesque appearance of a herd of animals scarcely reclaimed from their natural wildness.

Although this artist may not aspire to the production of such wonderful atmospheric effects as are to be seen in almost all the specimens of Albert Cuyp, still in warmth and richness of colouring his works may bear comparison with those of that great master, while in conception and boldness of treatment his studies of cattle resemble those of Rosa Bonheur.

This artist generally creates the impression of being an earnest painter, whose efforts are dictated rather by a genuine love of art than anxiety for emolument or reputation. In the present example, he appears to advantage, the subject being his most favourite study, and naturally receiving in its treatment that more than usual amount of careful attention which every artist loves to lavish on the work that interests his feelings.”

1871

Lived in Bristol with his wife Mary and six sons. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist in Oil Painting’. His son Henry Morley Park was also an artist and his son Herbert was studying art.
Died in Bristol.

*William Day was incorrect that Henry Park was self-taught. The directory, Benezit, records that he trained at Royal Academy Schools. This was also referred to by his son in a newspaper article.