April 5, 1881 – September 18, 1943
Harry Morley ARA was a famous British painter, printmaker and draftsman, known for his classical and mythological compositions. Born in Leicester, he initially studied architecture before turning to a career in art. He received prestigious traveling fellowships that allowed him to concentrate on painting and spend time in Italy and France.
In 1911 he married Lilias Helen Swain ARCA, a talented calligrapher and embroiderer. The couple embarked on artistic journeys together, exploring various European cities and creating works of art inspired by their travels.
Morley was an active member of art organizations such as the Art Workers’ Guild and the Society of Painters in Tempera. He was known as an “artist’s artist” and drew inspiration from the early Italian masters and the English landscape tradition.
His main focus was on paintings of mythological and biblical figures in oil and tempera, exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts. Despite the economic difficulties of the Great Depression, he continued to create and exhibit his work.
In the 1930s, Morley began experimenting with landscape painting, influenced by Paul Cézanne. He also contributed to art education by accepting a teaching position.
Unfortunately, his life was cut short by health problems and he died in 1943. Harry Morley’s artistic contributions continue to be celebrated and admired.
