Henry Jamyn Brooks

Well known Victorian Portrait Artist

By Janet Penn

Photo:Portrait photo by Henry J Brooks

Portrait photo by Henry J Brooks

Henry Jamyn Brooks b1839 in Birmingham, was a well known Victorian Portrait Artist. He also took up photography and had a studio in the High Street, Abingdon from 1869-1877. He was the artist, Henry J Brooks, who was commissioned to paint the portrait of Tom Morris (the father of the game of golf).

What connection does he have to Canvey? He was living here with his wife, Selina, in 1911 at a place called ‘The Ranch’, we have not yet found out where on the island this was. His occupation was stated as Portrait Artist. In earlier census he has stated Portrait Artist and Photographer.

His wife came from Abingdon where they married and lived for many years. He was in Fulham by 1891 and Paddington in the 1901 census before moving to Canvey sometime between then and 1911. He died in 1925 in Shalford, Essex which is not far from Finchingfield, where he had been living since at least 1919.

Photo:Private View of the Old Masters Exhibition, Royal Academy, 1888 by Henry Jamyn Brooks

Private View of the Old Masters Exhibition, Royal Academy, 1888 by Henry Jamyn Brooks

©National Portrait Gallery

If anyone has any information about Henry Brooks, if you have any of his photos or paintings would you please comment below.

Photo from Victorian Ladies

This page was added by Janet Penn on 23/12/2011.
Comments about this page

Another interesting story, Jan, first time I've heard of this artist but I know where ' The Ranch' was. It was the second bungalow down on the left-hand side in St Annes Rd and in the 40s/50s was the home of the Seddons family.

By Graham Stevens
On 25/12/2011

Hi Jan I am researching my family and Henry was the brother of my great great grandfather, the whole family was into painting or photography. Im hoping to get a photo of Henry and Selina soon.

By Gary Tearney
On 12/05/2012

Please send us a copy Gary. Thanks

By Janet Penn
On 12/05/2012

Our family has a portrait by Brooks. It is of my Granfather -Rev David Ewart-James of Clifftown Church, Westcliff.

By David Ewart-James
On 07/08/2016

In 1910 "The Ranch" was the first property down the left of Norbotten Road as coming from the High St, which later became St Annes road. There was a bit of land with it so I can see how another property got built and then made it the second property when Graham Stevens remembers it. Interestingly the Rev J. R. BROWN also rented this property out presumably for the curate of St Annes (i.e. R.J.H MONTEITH)

By Martin Lepley
On 09/08/2016

Yes Martin that bungalow on the corner of St Annes and the High St was the home of the Brassington family.The ditch was still alongside the High St and Mr Brassington had a big shed/workshop up against it. My sister Jenny and I remember he used to have a lawnmower repairing business there.

By Graham Stevens
On 13/08/2016
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