Ernest Walbourn was born on 16 February 1872 at Dalston, Middlesex. The second of five children, he spent his childhood there and was educated locally.
His father wanted him to be an architect but Ernest Walbourn had other ideas and ran away from home, setting up residence in the local public house. After this his father relented and encouraged him in his artistic career converting a shed at the bottom of their garden into a studio.
The family were moderately well off and owned some property in Tasmania, which provided an income for Ernest Walbourn’s father and enabled the young artist to receive a formal art training.
In 1906 Ernest Walbourn married Eva Knight who was to provide both help and encouragement in his career. She would often assist him in painting the backgrounds of the larger works and later became an accomplished amateur painter of garden scenes.
If you require any further information on Ernest Walbourn (1872 - 1972), please feel free to contact us.