Capturing the British Landscape: Alfred Augustus Glendening (1840-1921)

This book explores the life and work of Victorian landscape painter Alfred Augustus Glendening (1840-1921), highlighting his rapid rise from railway clerk to acclaimed artist. It reveals new information about the Victorian art world, including Royal Academy prejudices, the popularity of his work, and his use of photography. It also includes family trees and a comprehensive list of their exhibited works.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

This captivating book delves into the remarkable life and artistic journey of Alfred Augustus Glendening (1840-1921), a renowned Victorian landscape painter. Through stunning illustrations of his works, showcasing a timeless countryside, it explores the remarkable ascent of Glendening from a humble railway clerk to an acclaimed artist. While critics have often praised his exhibited pieces, there has been limited written material about the artist himself. Here, extensive research unveils the mysteries and misconceptions surrounding his life, family, and career, accurately positioning him at the forefront of the British art world during much of the nineteenth and into the twentieth century.

Glendening, hailing from modest beginnings, pursued a full-time career as a railway clerk, yet managed to make his London exhibition debut at the tender age of twenty. This achievement would have been nearly impossible prior to the Victorian era, a remarkable period characterized by significant social mobility. Despite the serene and unspoiled landscapes depicted in his paintings, Glendening's environment was rapidly evolving due to social, scientific, and industrial advancements. Moreover, the rapid advancements in transport, photography, and other technical discoveries undoubtedly influenced him and his fellow painters.

Celebrating Glendening's distinctly Victorian story, this book contextualizes him within his historical setting. Running alongside the main text is a timeline detailing significant landmarks, ranging from political and social events to artistic and technical innovations. Extensively researched over numerous years, the narrative delves into the motivations behind Glendening's art, his artistic training, and the sources of inspiration that shaped his creative vision.

While painting at Hampton and Greenwich, nestled beside the River Thames, Glendening stumbled upon the enchanting Welsh hills and became an integral member of the Bettws-y-Coed Artists Colony, founded by the visionary David Cox. His masterful landscapes not only capture the beauty of the Welsh countryside but also extend to include breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.

Through this captivating book, readers are invited to embark on a journey into the world of Alfred Augustus Glendening, exploring his life, work, and the profound impact he had on the art world during his remarkable era.

Dimension: 280 x 245 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913645236