Biography
Henry John Yeend King was a British landscape and genre painter celebrated for his luminous rural scenes, many inspired by the French countryside he came to love while studying in Paris.
Although born and based in London, his heart belonged to France, where its light, peaceful villages and everyday rural life shaped his paintings.
He's represented in numerous public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate, and the Manchester Art Gallery.
Known For
- Women in cottage gardens
- Riverside views
- Orchards and quiet country lanes
- Balancing careful observation with a remarkable gift for colour
Student Of
- William Bromley RBA
- Léon Bonnat
- Fernand Cormon
Lived In
London. He also travelled widely throughout England and France, returning regularly to Brittany and the French countryside in search of inspiration.
Historical Context
Yeend King worked during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, when Britain was becoming increasingly industrialised. In contrast to this, he sought gentle views where traditional rural life continued much as it had for generations. His years in France introduced him to the influence of French Naturalism and early Impressionism, helping him develop a lighter palette and a more atmospheric approach than many of his British contemporaries.
Public Collections
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Manchester Art Gallery
- Walker Art Gallery
- Leeds Art Gallery
- Harris Museum & Art Gallery
- Reading Museum
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
- Ulster Museum
- The National Trust
Timeline
1855
Born in London on 21 August.
During childhood
Sang as a choirboy at the Temple Church. After accidentally being locked inside the church overnight, he famously built himself a shelter from pew cushions and was later rewarded with five shillings for being "a good boy."
Early 1870s
Attended the Philological School before serving a three-year apprenticeship with the London glass painters O'Connor's.
Mid-1870s
Studied painting under William Bromley RBA.
Late 1870s
Travelled to Paris to study under Léon Bonnat and Fernand Cormon. The experience transformed his artistic outlook and began his lifelong affection for the French countryside.
1879
Elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA).
1881
Married Edith Lilian Atkinson, daughter of the engraver T. L. Atkinson.
1882
His daughter, Lilian, was born in Paris. She later became an artist herself and frequently modelled for her father's paintings.
1885
Wrote and illustrated "A Round in France" for The Magazine of Art, sharing his enthusiasm for the French countryside with British readers.
1886
Elected to the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, later serving as its Vice-President.
1890s
Reached the height of his career, exhibiting regularly in London while continuing to paint in England and France.
1897
The Garden by the River was purchased at the Royal Academy exhibition for the permanent collection in New South Wales.
1898
Milking Time was acquired for the Tate Gallery through the Chantrey Bequest, confirming his standing among Britain's leading painters.
Throughout his career
Exhibited widely in Britain, Europe and America, receiving medals in Paris, Berlin and Chicago.
1924
Died in London on 10 June, aged 68.