Framed oil painting by H M Livens

Oil on paper laid on board

‘Thames Bridges’

Label to reverse

Circa 1920

Framed Height 36cm Width 31cm Depth 6.5 cm

Painting size: 18cm x 13cm

H M Livens (1862 - 1936)

Horace Mann Livens was a well-known artist, particularly in the watercolour medium, regularly exhibiting at the Royal Academy, the New English Art Gallery and The Goupil Gallery. He became a member of the International Society of Sculptors and Engravers in 1907 and exhibited widely abroad. He was a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Society of Graphic Art, Royal Society of British Artists and the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour.

Livens was born in Croydon and whilst working for his father, he attended evening classes at Croydon school of Art. His rapid progress in drawing and painting led to the suggestion by his tutors that he furthered his studies at the Antwerp Academy. He arrived in 1885 aged 23. Whilst at the Academy he formed the start of a long-standing friendship with his fellow student Vincent Van Gogh, whose constant clashes with the establishment led to regular bouts of illness and it is reported that “it was Livens who nursed him back”. (Catalogue for The Belgrave Gallery of Motcombe Street, London SW1 - Exhibition of the Work of Horace Mann Livens 17 May - 9 June 1978).

His work as an artist was featured in an article in The Studio 1918, where he was seen as “the true Realist” whose skilful watercolours were considered highly admirable and extremely collectable. HM Livens is known to have designed 3 panels for the Rowley Gallery: Houdans, Brighton and Shoreham.