Walmer Castle

Henry Pether was born on the 15th March 1800 into a family that was well known for artistic talent. The family came from Chichester, his father Abraham established a reputation as a specialist painter of moonlit landscapes and is often referred to as “Moonlight Pether”.

Abraham had another son, Sebastian, who was also influenced by his father’s artistic interests and he too painted moonlit scenes. Henry Pether again specialized in moonlight scenes and is seen as the best of the three. His work has a security in terms of composition, control of detail, atmosphere and colouring which is greatly superior to his father and brother.

Henry favoured actual scenes, often on the Thames or in Venice, and this painting conveys the poetry and realism of his best work. His father and brother tended to repeat romanticised capriccio subjects, often with overstated blue tones which lack conviction. Henry’s palette was more sensitive and truthful to nature.

Henry exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1828 to 1862, the British Institution and Suffolk Street.

The artist lived in both Camden and Clapham. Sadly, Henry Pether died in the workhouse in Chelsea.

Museums

National Maritime Museum
Southampton City Art Gallery
Tate Gallery
Sheffield Museum
Grosvenor Museum
Government Art Collection
Harris Musuem & Art Gallery