William Henry Innes (1905–1999) Contemporary Cornish Artist

William Henry Innes (1905–1999) was a celebrated contemporary Cornish artist, renowned for his striking land and seascapes, predominantly created in pastel. Born in London, Innes had a deep connection to the natural world, which was reflected in his art, often capturing the essence of Cornwall’s rugged coastline and countryside after he moved to the region in the 1930s.

During World War II, Innes served in the RAF, and it was during this time that he first exhibited his work as part of a collection of paintings by wartime servicemen. His return to civilian life marked the beginning of his dedication to landscape painting, where he soon became known for his ability to convey the unique light, atmosphere, and character of Cornwall. His pastels, rich in texture and depth, conveyed the changing moods of land and sea, a hallmark of his style.

Innes exhibited widely throughout his career, showing his work at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Academy (RA), this was in 1950, Gallery XI, painting No.489, titled “Spring Sunshine” – Willian H. Innes

Further works were exhibited at the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA), Royal Oil Institute (ROI), and New English Art Club (NEAC). He was a member of the Pastel Society and the London Sketch Club, further cementing his place in the artistic community. He was known for his refined pastel technique and the emotional resonance in his portrayal of natural scenes, however, works in oil on canvas board of urban street scenes do exist showing he was not confined to one skill set or medium.

Perhaps later in life than most, Innes held his first solo exhibition at the Hurlingham Gallery in 1985, a significant milestone in his career. His work was also included in major public collections, including the Aberdeen Art Gallery, which holds a portrait by Innes.

William Henry Innes continued to paint and inspire as a contemporary Cornish artist until his death in 1999. His landscapes, deeply connected to the Cornish environment, remain an enduring part of the region’s artistic legacy. His dedication to capturing the natural beauty of the world ensures his lasting influence in both pastels and British landscape painting.

Source: Various web based research and articles