The artist 'H.M. Geoffroi' is one of either father 'Henry' (1825–1917) or son 'Harry (aka Henry)' (1852–1896) Malcolm Geoffroi—two Cornish artists who were heavily involved with the Penzance School of Practical Art (subsequently known as Penzance School of Art), which opened in 1881 and over the next fourteen years 'became the centre for teaching, exhibiting and raising funds for local art in West Cornwall, mainly due to the efforts of the Geoffroi family.'

Henry Senior was born in France, but moved to London aged fifteen and studied at South Kensington School of Art. He was first Master of the Penzance School of Art and in Kelly's Directory for 1856 he was one of five 'artists' listed for the whole of the County of Cornwall. His son Harry was also a painter and tutor at the Penzance School, and later Art Master at Redruth School of Art.