Ronald Benham (1915-1993)

               Ronald Benham was born in London and studied at the Hornsey School of Art. He was taught by John Moody (1884–1962), Robert Lyon (1894–1978) and Russell Reeve (1895–1970). Moody was a successful artist and printmaker in the academic tradition and it may be assumed that his influence on Benham is seen mostly in the latter’s prints. Stylistically, the influence of Lyon and Reeve are much more apparent. Both produced vivacious, semi-formal portraits in a modern style and were interested by scenes of industry and harsh landscapes.

Benham taught at Epsom School of Art, and institutional recognition came later in his career as his style matured to become slightly looser whilst remaining often chromatically sombre. He was a versatile painter, depicting scenes of manual labour and construction, landscapes, animals and portraits. He was elected a member to the New English Art Club in 1972 and to the Royal Society of British Artists in 1977. He exhibited mostly in the United Kingdom, including at the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.