Henry Tonks

Henry Tonks, self-portrait

Henry Tonks (9 April 1862 – 8 January 1937) was a British surgeon and artist, known for his contributions to both fields. He is particularly noted for his work as a war artist during World War I and his influential role as a teacher at the Slade School of Fine Art.

Early Life and Education

Henry Tonks was born in Solihull, Warwickshire, England. He was educated at Clifton College and later studied medicine at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the London Hospital. Tonks qualified as a surgeon in 1886 and worked at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Medical Career

Tonks's medical career was marked by his work as a surgeon and his teaching at the London Hospital. His medical background later influenced his artistic work, particularly in his detailed anatomical drawings. During World War I, Tonks served as a medical officer and created a series of pastel drawings depicting soldiers with facial injuries, which were used to aid in reconstructive surgery.

Artistic Career

Henry Tonks, photographed by George Charles Beresford, 1922

Tonks began his artistic career in the 1890s, studying at the Westminster School of Art under Frederick Brown. He joined the New English Art Club in 1895 and became known for his portraits and genre scenes. His work is characterized by its precision and attention to detail, likely influenced by his medical training.

Slade School of Fine Art

In 1892, Tonks joined the Slade School of Fine Art as an assistant professor, eventually becoming the head of the school. He was a demanding teacher, known for his rigorous standards and critical eye. Among his students were notable artists such as Stanley Spencer, Paul Nash, and David Bomberg.

World War I and War Art

During World War I, Tonks was appointed as an official war artist. He worked with the Royal Army Medical Corps and created a series of pastels depicting the facial injuries of soldiers. These works were not only artistically significant but also served a practical purpose in the development of plastic surgery techniques.

Saline Infusion: An incident in the British Red Cross Hospital, Arc-en-Barrois, 1915

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Tonks returned to teaching at the Slade and continued to paint. He retired in 1930 but remained active in the art community. Tonks passed away in 1937, leaving behind a legacy as both a pioneering war artist and a transformative educator.

Related Pages

• Slade School of Fine Art
• New English Art Club
• World War I
• Plastic surgery