Henry Alexander Bowler Painting Reproductions Gallery 1 of 1

Henry Alexander Bowler, an English artist born on November 30th, 1824, was a well-known teacher at the Royal Academy of Arts for many years, as well as an exhibitor of paintings there. He grew up in the Kensington district of London, the son of Charles and Frances Anne Bowler. After attending private schools, he pursued art education at Leigh's School and the Government School of Design at Somerset House.

In 1851, Bowler was appointed headmaster of the Stourbridge College of Art, but was soon transferred to a teaching position at the school at Somerset House where he had received his training. He became an inspector in the Science and Art Department in 1855 and assistant director for art at South Kensington in 1876. Bowler also held important posts in organizing the 1862 International Exhibition and subsequent exhibitions. From 1861 to 1899, he taught perspective at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Bowler exhibited ten pictures, mostly landscapes, at the Royal Academy from 1847 to 1871, and other works at the British Institution and elsewhere. One of his notable pieces is The Doubt: "Can these Dry Bones Live?" which he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1855 and again at the 1862 International Exhibition. It was later presented to the Tate Gallery by a member of his family in 1921.

In 1853, Bowler married Ellen Archer Archer, daughter of Thomas Archer, J.P., vicar of Whitchurch, Buckinghamshire, and together they had three sons and one daughter. Bowler retired from the Science and Art Department in 1891 and passed away at his home in Kensington on August 6th, 1903. He was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery.