Bembridge, Henry, 1743-1812

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Henry Benbridge was a portrait and historical painter and a miniaturist. He was born in Philadelphia on October 20, 1743, the son of James and Mary Benbridge. James Benbridge died in 1751 and his widow then married Thomas Gordon. Henry is believed to have studied with John Wollaston in Philadelphia. From 1765-1769, Henry studied in Italy. He also spent some time in London before returning to Philadelphia in 1770. Around 1771, Henry married Hetty Sage, a miniaturist who had studied with Charles Willson Peale. They had at least one son, Harry. By 1773, Henry and Hetty had moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where he set up as a portrait painter, working there until at least 1790. Not much is known about the last decades of Benbridge's life. He lived in Norfolk, Virginia for a time around 1800. Benbridge was buried in Christ Church cemetery in Philadelphia on January 25, 1812.

From the description of Letters [photostats], 1767-1787. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 261235104

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Charles Coleman Sellers papers Archives of American Art
creatorOf Benbridge, Henry. [Henry Benbridge] : artist file John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library, Ringling Museum Library
creatorOf Benbridge, Henry, 1743-1812. Letters [photostats], 1767-1787. Winterthur Library
creatorOf Benbridge, Henry, 1743-1812. [Engraving of Archibald Bulloch], 20th century. Georgia Southern University
creatorOf Benbridge, Henry, 1743-1812. Artist file. Brooklyn Museum Libraries & Archives
referencedIn Johnsoniana; or, Supplement to Boswell: being anecdotes and sayings of Dr. Johnson, extra-illustrated, 1668-1866 (inclusive);, 1738-1836 (bulk). Houghton Library
referencedIn Letter to Sally (Sara) Coombe Archives of American Art
referencedIn Benbridge, Henry, 1743-1812 : [miscellaneous ephemeral material]. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas J. Watson Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Coombe, Thomas, d. 1799. person
associatedWith Croker, John Wilson, 1780-1857 person
associatedWith Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790. person
associatedWith Gordon family. family
associatedWith Henry Benbridge, person
associatedWith Salter family. family
associatedWith Sellers, Charles Coleman, 1903-1980. person
associatedWith The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library. corporateBody
associatedWith West, Benjamin, 1728-1820. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
United States
Subject
Plants, Cultivated
Painters
Painters
Portrait painters
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1743

Death 1812

Americans

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