Alfred Augustus Glendening Snr.

Harvest Landscape
Alfred Augustus Glendening Snr. (1840-1921)
Oil on Canvas

Canvas Height: 50 cms (19.7 ins)
Canvas Width: 80 cms (31.5 ins)
Framed 68 x 97cm

Alfred Augustus Glendening entered the world in 1840, nestled in the area of Hampton, close to Richmond upon Thames, as the son of James Glendening and Sarah Chandler. His upbringing took a pivotal turn when his family relocated to Greenwich, where his father took on roles such as a wharf overseer and later a weighbridge clerk. The region was distinguished by its pioneering steam railway passenger service, and initially, Glendening secured a position as a railway clerk. However, he soon shifted his focus to painting, likely attending evening art classes during his spare time.

Glendening’s personal life flourished alongside his professional one; he wed Sophia Illman on March 3, 1861, at St Nicholas Church in Plumstead. The couple made their home in Southwark and raised seven children. Notably, one of their sons, Alfred Glendening Jr. (1861-1907), followed in his father’s artistic footsteps, receiving personal instruction from him. Alfred Sr.’s artistic career officially began with his first exhibit at the Royal Society of British Artists in 1864, quickly followed by contributions to the Royal Academy and the Royal Institution from 1865.

By 1869, he had established himself at 15 Clarence Road as a professional artist. His success grew steadily, and by around 1876, he had moved to 161 Bird in Bush Road in Camberwell, fully supporting his family through his art. Known for his landscape paintings, Glendening frequently captured the dramatic scenes of Wales and the Scottish Highlands, as well as the serene landscapes of the Thames, Surrey, and Sussex.

In his later years, Glendening settled at 6 Sandbourne Road in Deptford, where he remained until his death in Greenwich in 1921. His legacy endures, with his works displayed in collections such as the Atkinson Art Gallery, Charlton House & Gardens, and others across the UK.