British artist Harry Sutton Palmer is predominantly known for his exquisite naturalistic landscapes in watercolour. Born in Plymouth, England, he was an award-winning student at the Royal College of Art and later exhibited at the Royal Academy.

Palmer strived to achieve the heftiest ambition of any landscape painter - to reproduce a view faithfully amid nature’s ever-changing moods.

His ability was extraordinary, he could capture the effects of light as it scattered through the boughs of spindly trees, while rendering water in all its shimmering beauty. And he did so in watercolour - such a delicate and unforgiving medium.

As we look back across his oeuvre, it’s easy to miss his remarkable achievements when each of us are wrapped up in our worlds. But if one slows down to examine a work more carefully, his masterly handling saturates the mind. Twisting rivers slip through silent woods, gentle flora seems to sway amid tall grasses, and the uplands fill the lungs with a breath of rural England.

In search of inspiration, Palmer travelled extensively - from the rolling scenery of Surrey through to the craggy peaks of Yorkshire and The Lake District. Also venturing to Egypt. Each view underpinned with expert draughtsmanship and colouring to match. His versatility led to various commissions including for several travel books via publisher A&C Black.

Today, his works are held in various public collections including the V&A Museum in London. He was an elected member of the Royal Society of British Artists and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours.

1854

Born in Plymouth, Devon, England.

Studied at the Royal College of Art where he won a Gold Medal.

1870

Debuted at the Royal Academy with ‘Partridge and Starling’.

1889

Married Maud Moore at San Jose, California.

1892

Elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists.

1920

Elected a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours.