John Henderson, Landscape and Scene-Painter
(b. 1754, d. 1845)
Landscape and Scene-Painter
From A Dictionary of Irish Artists 1913
Was born in Glasgow in 1754. He was a scene-painter, and came to Ireland about the same time as Marinari (q.v.), whom he assisted in the decoration of Crow Street Theatre in 1809. He continued as scene-painter there until he joined the new theatre in Hawkins Street under Harris, and was associated with William Phillips in its decoration.* He painted the entire scenery for the first Christmas pantomime in 1821. Henderson also painted landscapes and fruit pieces, and did a few illustrations for books. He exhibited four landscapes in the Dublin Society's House in Hawkins Street in 1811, and also landscapes and views in the Royal Hibernian Academy occasionally, between 1830 and 1845. He died on 17th June, 1845, aged 91 years, and was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. His son EDWARD HENDERSON showed early talent as an artist; he painted some clever copies and also did miniatures. While employed in decorating a ceiling at Castletown, Co. Kildare, for Mr. Conolly, he contracted fever which caused his death at the age of 20.
NOTE: * William Phillips was long connected with the Theatre Royal as scene-painter. He died the 2nd February, 1848.