Henry Briggs

Background

Briggs was born at Walworth, County Durham, the son of a post office official

Career

While still at school at Epping he sent two engravings to the "Gentleman"s Magazine" and in 1811 entered as a student at the Royal Academy, London, where he began to exhibit in 1814. From that time onwards until his death he was a constant exhibitor at the annual exhibitions of the Academy, as well as the British Institution, his paintings being for the most part historical in subject. After his election as a Royal Academician (Research Associate) in 1832 he devoted his attention almost exclusively to portraiture.

Briggs died, of tuberculosis in London on 18 January 1844.

The lease to his home in Bruton Street, Berkeley Square was subsequently purchased by portrait painter Thomas Henry Illidge. Bell commissioned several art-works and it was his connections that enabled Briggs to paint the portraits of pharmacist John Bell (of John Bell & Company) and William Allen, the Society’s first President.

Briggs also designed the society"s membership certificate. Thomas Francis Dicksee was a notable pupil of Briggs.

Achievements

• Jacob Bell, founder of the Pharmaceutical Society, was a cousin of Briggs, and took painting lessons from the artist as a child.