Horsham’s link to famous painter

There are several old paintings on show in Horsham Museum & Art Gallery but ‘Whither’ by Edward Bainbridge Copnall is arguably the most intriguing!

It’s an allegorical funeral scene, with the deceased clearly ascending to Heaven.

However, Edward Bainbridge Copnall spent several years in Horsham and the scene is supposedly set in the town.

There’s St Mary’s Church in the background but, to be honest, that’s just about the only local aspect that’s obvious.

It’s not clear where the graveyard could be, although it’s clearly next to a football pitch!

Edward Bainbridge Copnall was born in South Africa in 1903, but moved to Horsham with his father at an early age when his mother died.

His father, Edward White Copnall, was a well-known photographer and worked and lived in the town up to 1962.

Edward Bainbridge had an unusual time during the Second World War, building dummies to fool the enemy during the Western Desert campaign.

After the war he wrote various books and created several famous works, including The Coal Christ in 1965. This crucifix was donated to Broadbridge Heath Church in memory of Edward Bainbridge’s father.

However, following the decision by the church to replace the artwork with a plain cross it was donated to Horsham Museum in 2008 where it remains.

Edward Bainbridge was President of the Royal Society of Sculptors from 1961 to 1966 and died, in 1973, aged 70 in Kent.

His son, John, was also a prominent artist and was born in Slinfold, near Horsham. He spent many years painting in Spain but returned to England and died in London, aged 79, in 2007.

With such a link to Horsham it’s no surprise that Copnall Way, in the town centre, is named after the family.