George Robert JENNISON
Born in Grimsby, the artist began his studies in art at the early age of twelve years. His three mentors included Stanhope FORBES, with whom he studied between c1886-8 (exact time uncertain) whilst living in Lamorna, which he later memorialized by naming his first Lincolnshire home 'Lamorna'.
Subsequently, he undertook further study with Frank BRANGWYN and J M Swan at the Stratford Road studio in Kensington, London. In the 1901 Census he is listed with the occupation of Fish Merchant, it being a large family business, although family information suggests that he was (perhaps also) a partner in a cabinet-making company.
Jennison initially married Letitia Hollingworth (m 1895-1918), and then Elsie Grace Clifton, with two children born of each union. Regarded in art circles as specialising in oil portraits of civic dignitaries, he also painted still-life and landscape in watercolour. Some works remain within the family, including one painting I wish... painted with an accompanying poem for his young niece. He was a member of the Usher Art Gallery (Lincoln) Hanging Committee in 1933, and exhibited latterly at Liverpool and in county exhibitions around Lincolnshire.
media
Painter of portraits in oils; landscapes, still-life in watercolour
works and access
Works include: Portraits of Alderman J H Tate; Neville Chamberlain and Roger (sketch portrait of his son)
The Cordwainer; Polperro; Where the Bee Sucks (ref Shakespeare); Vanity; Marguerites and Marigolds; Blue and Silver; I wish... (painted with an accompanying poem for his young niece)
Access to works: Grimsby Town Hall (Alderman's portrait); Usher Gallery, Lincoln
exhibitions
Liverpool (5) 1926-33
RI
Usher Gallery, Lincoln
County exhibitions in Lincolnshire
memberships
Grimsby and North Lincolnshire Art Society (President)
Lincolnshire Artists' Society
references
Grimsby Telegraph and Grimsby Evening Telegraph 4 Mar 1949 (Obituaries)
1901 Census
Family information
Hardie (2009) Artists in Newlyn and West Cornwall
Johnson & Greutzner (1975) Dictionary of British Artists