W H C Groome · The Middle Years · 1882
William Henry Charles Groome (GT1)
1882 – 1905
We know from his children’s birth certificates that William most likely achieved his dream of becoming a full time artist in 1883.
The 1891 Census taken on 5 April 1891 shows W H C Groome as an “Artist/Black & White” so at this stage he is primarily a black and white illustrator and we can assume he was working from home.
The family has now moved to 31 Denmark Road, Ealing and living in a nice three storey semi-detached house a definite move up from ten years ago. Today this house would be on sale for approximately £1.4 million.
Ealing in 1891 was a place very much on the up. Within a generation it had grown from a quiet Middlesex village into one of London’s most desirable middle-class suburbs — soon to be crowned “Queen of the Suburbs” — its parish population trebling between 1861 and 1891 to more than 35,000. With the railway putting the City within easy reach, it was an ideal address for a working illustrator: close to the London publishers, far from the smoke and crowds.
Ealing was an ideal address – close to publishers who would commission his work, and a clear step up.
1891 census · ealing, London
In 1891 WHC Groome is living in Ealing with his family. His occupation is shown as “Artist/ Black & White.”
The Illustrations and Writings of WHC Groome
WHC Groome became an author in his own right, and an illustrator. Articles from local press demonstrate the publications that Groome was responsible for illustrating.
the guardian · 27 september 1893
An advertisement in the Guardian promoting a book illustrated by WHC Groome.
NORTHAMPTON MERCURY · 18 jan 1894
An advertisement about a book illustrated by WHC Groome.
In 1899 he wrote and illustrated “The Fortunes of The Charlton Family“.
the fortunes of the charlton family · 1898
The cover of book written and illustrated by WHC Groome
the fortunes of the charlton family · 1898
A book written and illustrated by WHC Groome
Groome also illustrated “Cyril The Foundling – A Tale of the Puritans and Cavaliers“. Published 1899.
His greatest coup as an illustrator was to obtain the contract with “Collins Press” to illustrate the complete works of Charles Dickens whose books had become more popular since his death in 1870.
Two examples follow. There are illustrations throughout each book.
nicholas nickleby · 20 DECEMBER 1862
An article regarding a function at The Wheel Inn.
the fortunes of the charlton family · 1899
The book was written and illustrated by WHC Groome.
West Ealing
At the time of the 1901 Census held on 31 March 1901 he had become a well known name as an Artist. The Family had now moved again to the desirable address of 78 Coldershaw Road, West Ealing. William had become a man of some substance.
1901 census · ealing, London
William is now described as an Artist/Painting.
Art painted by W H C Groome
The oil on canvas painting is a portrait of H. C. Greene, the first mayor of Ealing, London, England, and was painted by W. H. C. Groome between 1901 and 1902.
It is currently on display at the Gunnersbury Park Museum, Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, London, England.
The family of W H C Groome – Circa 1905
Front row: Arthur Francis Groome, Eliza Groome née Horner, William Henry Charles Groome, Leslie Groome.
Note William Groome’s step daughter Ann Ellen Horner was now living in New Zealand and married to his first cousin Charles Timpson