One of the many “once in a lifetime” moments from the 2024 Babb Family Association Reunion was the unveiling of what is the ONLY known surviving painting by Ernest Henry (Harry) Babb. It is signed and dated 1903. To our knowledge, it has not been seen in public for 121 years!
It came to light when Steve Fowler and his son Robin were sorting through the study of Steve’s late wife Sue. She had taught art and design so they presumed it must have been spotted and bought by her in a local shop in Camborne, Cornwall.
An Internet search located the articles I have written regarding Harry’s life and Steve contacted me for more information. I shared my difficulties of hunting for information about Harry and his works and how I pieced together Harry’s life through various sources.
Harry was a noteworthy person in his lifetime, but his works were out shadowed by those of his cousin Stanley Nicholson Babb.
After a discussion we decided that the piece was mostly of sentimental value, and as a tribute to his beloved wife Sue, he donated it to the Babb Family Association to protect and preserve it for future generations. It is of immense sentimental value to the Babbs of the world and a fragment of the tapestry of our collective history.
The London School Harry attended has no works of artists from that period. At the time Harry attended it wasn’t the magnificent art school that it is today. Back then they taught people how to teach art to the masses.
The Unveiling
The painting was unveiled to an ovation by reunion attendees and now, I bring it to you and the world! Once again, the world can speak his name and see his work. This picture is truly worth 1000 words!
Description
Along the top border to the left side in pencil it appears to read, “not for S___ Petition”. I can only surmise that it means, Not for Sale. I don’t know what to make of the word Petition in this context. Additionally, you can make out the bottom curve of the “a” and perhaps the very top part of an “l” on the perimeter of the torn area. The edges have sustained significant damage as well. But considering the life it has apparently led on its cardboard backing; it is in remarkable condition!
It has been graciously donated to the Babb Family Association and will become part of our archives while we work to determine the next steps in its journey. The painting is on a hard cardboard back. The frame you see was painted on and appears to have been covered in glue at some point. It likely was glued into another frame and the yellow spots that are visible are where the surface has peeled away when it was separated from the glued-on surface.
More Information on Ernest (Harry)
Ernest Henry (Harry) Luther Babb was the son of Henry Richard Babb, the Headmaster of the School of Art, Princess Square, Plymouth, and the Municipal School of Art, Devonport. Ernest, known as Harry, had a passion for what the rest of the world calls “Football” (soccer). He played a significant role in co-founding the Plymouth Argyle Football Club. His father, Henry Richard Babb, was also involved in the arts and had a notable career in education.
Ernest Henry (Harry) Babb and Stanley Nicholson Babb were related, with Stanley being a cousin of Harry. Both shared a passion for the arts, with Harry focusing on painting and Stanley on sculpture. Their familial connection and mutual interest in the arts likely influenced and supported each other’s careers.
The storyline of my pasts posts on the family is as follows:
One response to “The Only Known Surviving Painting by Ernest Henry (Harry) Babb”
Hello, I hope this message finds you well. I have found a small painting by Ernest in a personal note book I bought from a rare book shop. The painting is dated 1897 and signed. If you would like to see pictures and some more information, please send me a message . Thank you very much