Arthur Henry Knighton-Hammond (1875–1970) – British Artist

Arthur Henry Knighton-Hammond, born in Arnold, Nottingham, on 18 September 1875, was a prominent British artist whose career spanned over seventy-five years. Known for his landscape, portrait, and industrial works, his artistic journey evolved from a self-taught amateur to a highly respected professional, gaining recognition both in the UK and internationally.

Knighton-Hammond’s early years were spent working as an apprentice to a watchmaker, though his true passion lay in art. He studied part-time at the Nottingham School of Art under Herbert Wilson Foster, where he began developing his skills in landscape painting. By 1895, he exhibited his first work at Nottingham Castle Museum. He later attended the Manchester Municipal School of Art and Westminster School of Art in London, where his development as a painter accelerated.

His career began to flourish with early commissions in landscape painting, particularly in Derbyshire and later, the French Riviera. Knighton-Hammond's work varied from the serene English countryside to industrial subjects like the Dow Chemical Plant in Michigan, USA. His industrial landscapes, created during his time in America, remain notable for their dignified and functional representations of modern industry.

In 1912, Knighton-Hammond began using 'Knighton' as his first name, adding it permanently to his signature by deed poll in 1933. His art evolved over time; by the 1920s, he had adopted a more impressionistic style, particularly after his travels in Europe. His works from this period, like his vibrant watercolours of Venice and Tunisia, received international acclaim. Knighton-Hammond was the only English artist, aside from Russell Flint, elected to the American Watercolour Society.

In 1933, Knighton-Hammond's life took a tragic turn with the death of his second wife, Emmeline Low, shortly after childbirth. Despite the personal loss, he continued to achieve recognition, including being elected to the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and exhibiting regularly at the Royal Academy.

Knighton-Hammond’s work shifted towards portraiture during the 1930s. His portraits, which are celebrated for their psychological depth and keen observation of character, were frequently exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Pastel Society and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Knighton-Hammond continued to paint and teach. He settled in Seaborough, Dorset, in 1955, where he spent his final years creating works inspired by the local landscape and farm life. In the 1960s, he appeared on regional television, showcasing his studio and works.

Knighton-Hammond passed away peacefully on 28 February 1970, at the age of 94. His legacy is defined by his diverse contributions to British art, ranging from traditional landscapes to industrial and impressionistic works. His mastery of watercolour and his contributions to modern British art continue to be celebrated today.

Source: Various web based research and articles