Swithland Wood by Albert Henry Findley, Watercolour

Albert Henry Findley (1880-1975)

Albert Henry Findley was born in Leicester on 7th March 1880. He was the eldest son of Richard Findley, a chairmaker for churches, businesses and private houses. Although Albert was first employed in the shoe industry, his great interest was in carpentry (taking after his father) and he made many fine pieces of furniture in his lifetime. It was in about 1907 that he started painting scenes of Leicester and these were followed by various cathedral views including York, Lincoln, Norwich, Peterborough and Durham. Albert used to paint by gaslight in the living room of his small terraced house in Bridge Road. After his retirement in 1945 he was able to paint full time and worked in a large shed in the back garden which had a large window inserted to allow plenty of light in.

Leicester Arts & Museums collection has 15 watercolours by Findley, including these two of the Clock Tower and the War Memorial and this new accession will join the collection, providing a vibrant addition to the works by this artist that we have.

The War Memorial, Leicester. Watercolour, 1931. Purchased from W. Frank Gadsby Ltd.

The Clock Tower. Watercolour, 1921. Purchased from Mr R Bolsom.

'The War Memorial, Leicester' and 'The Clock Tower' are both part of Leicester's collections.

Bequests

Leicester Museums & Galleries have benefited from a number of bequests and legacies over the years and they have formed a very important role in the development of the collections. Sometimes these are in monetary form, and sometimes they are of actual objects which people choose to leave to the museum in their Will as we have here with Swithland Wood by A H Findley. We also receive bequests via institutions such as the Art fund, as with the 11 German Expressionist artworks we received 2014 from the bequest of Peter and Lai-ngau Pauson via the Art Fund.

As with any object(s) that Leicester Museums is offered, not all can be accepted as they need to fit our Collecting Policy and be of suitable condition such that they can be displayed and enjoyed by our visitors, but we very much welcome offers and accept whenever possible.

Find out more about leaving a legacy or a bequest to Leicester Museums & Galleries.