Henry Tanworth Wells

Henry Tanworth Wells (14 December 1828 – 16 January 1903) was an English portrait painter. He was a member of the Pre-Raphaelite circle, though he painted in the academic style.

His most popular painting was Victoria Regina, of which he made two versions: 1877 Tate, and 1887, Royal Collection, showing the young Queen Victoria receiving the news of her accession to the throne.

Biography

Wells was born in London on 14 December 1828, the only son of Henry Tanworth Wells (senior), a merchant, and his wife Charlotte Henman. He was baptised in St Pancras Old Church. He was educated at Lancing College, Sussex. He arranged to be introduced to Boyce in 1851, and asked her to marry him in 1855. She refused, saying she wanted to be free to "carry on her life's work". He pursued her, and they were engaged, but after her father's death, her mother persuaded her to change her mind, and Joanna gave the engagement ring back. Wells still did not give up, and despite social disapproval they continued to write to each other. They married on 9 December 1857. They had two daughters, Alice Joanna Street and Joanna Margaret Hadley.

Wells was elected as a member of the Royal Academy on 30 June 1870.

Wells's works can be found in the major art collections of England, including the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Gallery, Royal Academy, Royal Collection, Government Art Collection, National Trust Collections, and Royal Albert Memorial Museum.

Gallery