Henry Rayner (19 September 1902 – 25 April 1957) was an Australian artist known for his drypoint etchings.

Grave of Henry Rayner in Highgate Cemetery

Biography

edit

Hewitt Henry Rayner was born in Melbourne, Australia and trained as an artist in Britain.

He was commonly known as Henry Rayner, the Australian artist born on September 19, 1902, in Hawthorn, Melbourne. He developed a keen interest in art at an early age, which led him to pursue formal training in Britain. After moving there in 1923, he trained under notable artists, including Walter Sickert, although he never completed his formal education at the Royal Academy Schools. Instead, he began his career as a printmaker, specializing in drypoint etching.

He worked with Walter Sickert and was a friend of Augustus John. He was injured during the London blitz and thereafter became something of a recluse.

He died on 25 April 1957 and is buried on the eastern side of Highgate Cemetery.

edit