Clarence Henry Roe (c.1850 - 1909)
Clarence Henry Roe was the eldest son of artist Robert Henry Roe (1823-1905) and Emma Baily, and brother of artist Robert Ernest Roe (1852-1921). Often cited as born in Cumbria (Hall) according to art researcher Marie Riley he was born in Birmingham and lived most of his life in Yorkshire. An undoubted talent Roe had a ‘Bohemian tendency to work only when in the mood’ (Yorkshire Post obituary), married three times, and being a great raconteur prone to excessive drinking it is probable he’d many affairs. Alcoholism led to a number of convictions and Roe died in the Menston Pauper Lunatic Asylum with syphilis the probable cause (Mark Davis). In another obituary a dealer who knew Clarence Roe for 35 years lamented “that unquestionably he was a man of great talent, wasted by inattention and lack of self-discipline. He could, had he cared, says this authority, have been the greatest landscape painter living.’ Although Clarence Roe was little exhibited apart from two subjects at the Royal Hibernian Academy, Roe's work found a ready outlet. There is a huge body of his very varied work both by quality and subject. At best his landscapes, in particular, could be very powerful and sometimes moody, but of course there are plenty of 'potboilers' around. Roe's work can be seen at the Ferens Art Gallery; Southampton, Nottingham, Kirklees, Bury, Preston, City art galleries/museums; the Whitaker; and the Mercer Art Gallery.
Paintings for sale by Clarence Henry Roe:
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