Henri Tebbitt

Henri Tebbitt (1854–1927) lived an extraordinary life, full of remarkable experiences! At the age of sixteen, he participated in manning street barricades in Paris during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). He later had the unique opportunity to dine with Charles Dickens while attending the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Kent. His life was characterized by extensive travel, including visits to most of the countries in Europe, as well as time spent in the United States and Canada, before eventually settling in Australia. From 1867 onwards, he received a regular allowance from his father as part of a substantial family inheritance, which, combined with income from his successful paintings and skillful piano playing, supported his bohemian lifestyle until his passing in 1927. Henri regarded his final 34 years in Australia as the happiest period of his life. His marriage to Robertha and the recognition he received for his landscape paintings brought him great contentment. Today, his artistic talent is celebrated in major galleries throughout Australia, and his fame was such that his obituary was published in all the major newspapers across the country upon his passing.