Prolific Artist Celebrating Daily Life Passes Away at 92

Charles Debenham, a prolific artist who celebrated daily life in his work, died on March 18 aged 92.

He was born on August 9, 1933, in Colchester and spent most of his life in East Anglia.

Early life and training

Debenham grew up in a working-class household. His father, Edward, worked as a chauffeur. His mother, Winifred, worked in a Sudbury silk factory.

As a child he sheltered from bombing at age nine during the Second World War. The family moved to Sudbury to live with an aunt until the conflict ended.

He attended St John’s Primary and later schools in Long Melford. Weakness with numbers placed him in the part room at Colchester Royal Grammar School.

At 14 he began evening classes at Colchester School of Art. He later won a scholarship to study there full time.

While sketching at weekends, he met Sir Alfred Munnings. The celebrated horse painter took Debenham under his wing.

Artistic career

Debenham preferred everyday subjects to grand scenes. He painted shop fronts, phone boxes, mothers with buggies and men on benches.

He often worked outdoors, sometimes in Provence, becoming absorbed in his surroundings. He used an easel and a small scalpel to refine details.

He exhibited several times at the Royal Academy during his career. He remained fiercely loyal to Colchester, Long Melford and Sudbury.

He also built a business career. He founded an advertising agency and later a design and exhibit-making company.

• Clients included St Paul’s Cathedral.
• He worked for the London International Boat Show.
• He supplied designs for the Lord Mayor’s Show.

He was appointed designer for the Office of the Crown Agents. That role included creating postage stamp designs.

Later practice and adaptations

Debenham continued painting into his nineties. He adapted his approach as his eyesight and strength changed.

He shifted toward a more impressionistic style when vision declined. After losing power in his right hand, he worked left-handed.

His final paintings were Sudbury landscapes completed with his left hand. He remained committed to capturing ordinary life.

Family and personal life

He married Eilish on June 18, 1954. The couple spent more than 70 years together.

They had three children: Karl, Helen and Paul. Karl recalls a father who demanded excellence and inspired achievement.

His grandson, Alexander (Alex) Debenham, became a noted portrait and still-life artist. Alex studied at the Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence.

At about 80 years old, Charles visited Florence and joined classes with younger students. The experience delighted him and renewed his energy.

Legacy

Debenham is remembered as a prolific artist celebrating daily life in scenes of East Anglia and beyond. He left a body of work spanning many decades.

He is survived by his wife, three children and grandchildren. Filmogaz.com extends condolences to the family and admirers.