Henry Tidmarsh Biography

Henry Edward Tidmarsh (1854-1939) was renowned for his topographical paintings of London and Manchester, as well as his illustrations for newspapers and books.

Demonstrating impressive versatility, he worked in both monochrome and full colour, easily capturing cityscapes and figurative scenes. Born on 4th February 1854, in Islington to a family of devout Methodist carpenters, Henry was the son of Joseph Tidmarsh, owner of Tidmarsh & Sons, a carpentry and blind-making business that remains operational today. Being the fourth of five siblings, Henry diverged from his brothers, who joined the family firm, opting instead to pursue a career in the arts. 

At 18, he enrolled at the National Art Training School in Kensington, now known as the Royal College of Arts. After completing his education, Tidmarsh began his career as a mural painter, with his initial project being murals in a new public building in Sheffield. By the 1880s, he gained recognition as an illustrator for various publications, including The Graphic and The Illustrated London News, creating ink and wash drawings, as well as monochromatic watercolours.

A dedicated Methodist, he became a local preacher by 1889, advocating for pacifism and vegetarianism. Concurrently, he pursued painting topographical watercolours, exhibiting his works between 1880 and 1918 at prestigious venues, including the Royal Academy of Arts and the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours.

In 1902, he married his first cousin, Ellen Louise Tidmarsh, after a period of waiting due to their blood relationship. They relocated from Islington to Barnet. Tidmarsh also illustrated a notable three-volume book on Manchester, contributing over 150 pen-and-wash illustrations published in 1896.

He passed away peacefully on 19th March 1939, at the age of 85.