William Henry Charles Groome 1854 – 1913 (GT1)
W H C Groome – Full Time Artist
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.
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.
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.
Art Work 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.
Family Photo – 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