This website has been designed as a way to explore the art collection of Henry Hill (1812-1882). Born in Cullompton, Devon, Henry moved to London in the 1830’s as a journeyman tailor. Around 1847 he became established as a military tailor in Old Bond Street, London. 

Henry Hill evidently caught the collecting bug. When he and his wife retired to Brighton in the mid-1860s their art collection of living artists rapidly grew.

Very little is known about this collector, his life or his collection, but he is known as the first collector of the work of Degas in England. My research on Henry Hill and his collection aims to fill in some of the gaps!

This website provides a virtual archive of the Hill collection. The majority of this collection was sold at Christie’s in three sales, 1889, 1892 and 1893, after the death of his wife, Charlotte. The Christie’s sales records provide the basis for the data presented.

This archive is a work in progress, and is based on research that I have carried out on the biography and collection of Henry Hill. I hope that I will be given permission to share some known images on these pages, and that the resource will continue to grow as more information is shared through my Contacts Page. Any additional information received will be fully attributed, and the appropriate acknowledgement given on my Thanks Page.