Lot #18: Seascape Oil Painting On Board Artist Signed H L Braunston

H.L.BraunstonHorace Leonard Braunston was born in 1897 and was from North London. He served in the London Regiment during the First World War (having signed up under age!). He was invalided out in 1918 and having been gassed. He was very bitter about his experience and so refused to help in any way in World War II. Ive done my bit was his phrase. He was firstly a sign writer and then a professional artist for the rest of his live mixing with a certain collection of artist who (and only who) called him Len. Not trusting Galleries, he sold most of his paintings at outdoor exhibitions and venues such as the Hyde Park and Bayswater Road railings as well as private commissions. He was self taught and he sold his works on the railings in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Most of his paintings were relatively large and his subjects were usually landscapes and Marine paintings. He was successful enough to support his wife and 2 children. In the 1970s he moved from London to Hove. He continued painting and selling his work up to his death in 1983. He painted by a large Bow Window in his Hove flat and enjoyed the light. When he was found dead, there was a half completed painting on the easel.We are indebted to Miles Bingham, a grandson of the artist, for this information.