Portraits by Hubert von Herkomer
Council Chamber
Until 26th July 2026
Sir Hubert von Herkomer was a wealthy Victorian artist, a polymath who transformed Bushey by founding his famous Art School. He build an impressive mansion and for Bushey’s well-being financed the village nurse, as well as being instrumental in arranging water and electrical supplies. His wealth – and hard work – came from his painting of portraits. He had a tireless work ethic, once painting three portraits a week in America.
Herkomer portraits can be found in a great many County and Town Halls, Museums, Resource Centres, Colleges, Stately homes, Municipal Art Galleries, Academies, Archives, Libraries. Oxford University alone – according to Art UK – are proud of at least 17 portraits, and Cambridge University 7 portraits. This is apart from those portraits that are in private collections. Portraits in the Hebrides and Wells, Somerset; Wick in the north of Scotland and Bromley in Kent; Llandudno and Norwich. He was the most prolific portrait painter and we will showcase a selection of his works in this exhibition.
This exhibition spans intimate local character studies to grand high-society portraits. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Victorian art, portraits and local history – but it is ending soon, so don’t miss it!
Exhibition Organisers: Pat Woollard and the Art Team.