Charles Cooper Henderson was a British artist known for his detailed and lively depictions of horse-drawn vehicles of the 19th century. Born on June 3, 1803, in Abbey Wood, London, England, Henderson developed an interest in art at an early age, though his career initially took a different path.
He was the son of a successful merchant and was educated at Harrow School. Despite his early artistic inclinations, Henderson initially pursued a career in the family business. However, his passion for art never waned, and he eventually devoted himself fully to painting.
Henderson's work captures the spirit of the Victorian era, a time when the horse-drawn carriage was a primary mode of transportation. He meticulously illustrated various types of carriages, from mail coaches and stagecoaches to private carriages and cabs. His paintings are characterized by their accuracy in detail, vivid color, and dynamic composition, reflecting the movement and energy of his subjects.
Apart from his paintings, Henderson also produced a number of lithographs and watercolors. His works were widely appreciated during his lifetime and were often reproduced as prints, making them accessible to a broader public. Henderson exhibited his artwork at the Royal Academy and the British Institution in London.
Charles Cooper Henderson's contribution to the genre of coaching scenes and his depiction of 19th-century transport have been recognized as significant by art historians. His works provide a valuable historical record of the period and continue to be sought after by collectors. He passed away on January 21, 1877, in Lower Halliford, now known as Shepperton, in Surrey. Henderson's legacy endures, and his art remains a testament to the vibrant and rapidly changing transportation scene of Victorian England.