Henry Bright

Henry Bright was one of the most talented artists from the second generation of the Norwich school and was a pupil of both Alfred Stannard and John Sell Cotman although his work should be viewed in a wider context than purely that of the Norwich school. Settling in London for many years, Bright established himself as a successful painter and teacher, receiving commissions from many rich and fashionable patrons, with one work being purchased by Queen Victoria.

He developed strong friendships with the leading artists of the day including J. M. W. Turner and David Cox. Also he collaborated with artists such as John Frederick Herring and William Shayer, generally contributing the landscape elements to the paintings. An incredible draftsman and a master at depicting the effects of sunlight and shadow, Bright managed to find beauty and interest in almost any subject. His body of work is very diverse, ranging from intricate pencil drawings of a tree stump or rock formation to dramatic sunsets along the Rhine.