Harold Clayton

British, 1896–1979

Harold Clayton was born in London in 1902. He came from an artistic family and was sent to art school in Hackney at an early age.After graduating with distinction, he moved to Harrow Art School and completed the course, once again, with distinction. From here he was sent to Hornsey College of Art where he studied graphic design and commercial art graduating, as ever, with distinction even though he was not particularly enamoured with this art form.Finally, Clayton went to St. Martin’s School of Art where he studied under the celebrated Art Master Norman Jones. This meeting had a profound effect on the path Clayton’s career ultimately took, leading to his exhibition of many oil paintings and watercolours at the Royal Academy.The level of realism achieved by Harold Clayton immediately strikes the viewer. Every flower reaches out with a triumphant display of summer’s palette. Dainty and young blooms reach upward in a military fashion, as those who have fully flourished hang heavily with a feel of self-importance and ultimate achievement.