Henry Stacy Marks (British artist) 1829 - 1898
Henry Stacy Marks was born in London, on Seotember 13, 1829, the fourth child of John Isaac Marks and Elizabeth (née Pally). His father was a solicitor who later became a coach builder. Henry enrolled at the Royal Academy Schools in about 1851 and first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1853. When his father's business as a solicitor failed, Henry Stacy Marks had to support not only his wife, but his family of origin, including his mother and three younger brothers, on the proceeds of his art. Marks supplemented his income from painting by carrying out decorative work for various patrons. These included the Minton works, for the stained glass makers Clayton and Bell, by designing a frieze for the outside wall of the Royal Albert Hall, and for the house of the artist Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Marks' most important patron was Hugh Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster. Marks worked on decorations for the duke's house, Eaton Hall, Cheshire, between 1874 and 1880. For this purpose he painted two canvasses 35 feet (11 m) long of Chaucer's pilgrims, and twelve panels of birds. As his career progressed, he became increasingly interested in painting birds.
