Rev Henry Samuel Eyre Torre Abbey Gatehouse, Torquay

Sepia Watercolours: Rev Henry Samuel Eyre (1816–1890)

This painting forms part of a charming collection of works that we have for sale by Reverend Henry Samuel Eyre (1816–1890), who was vicar at Wareside in the parish of Ware, Hertfordshire. Paintings include the Vicarage at Wareside and New Hall Farm rented by Eyre, along with picturesque views on the River Ash. The collection is annotated 'Sketches by the Rev H.S. Eyre on his marriage tour', with a majority painted at Torquay in 1844. Further picturesque locations in the collection include Weymouth, Windsor, Brighton and the Isle of Wight, dated 1845 to 1860.

Records show that Henry Samuel Eyre had a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Frances (1846–1922) and a son born in 1849, at 55 Gloucester-place Portman-square in London. It appears that later he was working as vicar of All Saints, Finchley Road, St Marylebone 1870–87. His daughter, Mary, went on to marry John Richardson-Eyre, vicar of All Saints from 1889, and her memoirs can be found in the National Archives.