Henry Gillard Glindoni (1852-1913) was born at Kennington Lane, one of a family of five who were left parentless at a very young age. His surname was originally Glindon; he changed it to Glindoni later for professional reasons.
From the age of 14 he had to fend for himself, which he did by taking various acting and painting jobs. He worked as a scene-painter for the theatre and augmenting his income by making sketches of actors and actresses with whom he appeared. He was also as a porcelain painter. He was encouraged to take up the study of art and studied at the Working Mens’ College and at the Castle Street School of Art.
