BECKER, Harry

Harry Becker’s (1865-1928) life can be viewed as having two distinct periods, before and after his move to Suffolk in 1912. In the earlier years, based firstly in Colchester then London from 1894, he followed the conventional path of a professional artist achieving significant success and recognition, exhibiting regularly at the R.A., R.B.A., the N.E.A.C., The Walker Gallery, Liverpool as well as commercial galleries. It was from 1907, a growing disenchantment with London led to his ultimate departure to Suffolk in 1912. He moved to the village of Wenhaston in Suffolk which was to become his home for the rest of his life and the surrounding area the source for his relentless output. His style, although uncontrived, was naturally avant garde. He explored subjects that surrounded him with a swift elegance and a style that was more typical four decades later. His influence therefore held impact long after his death in 1928.