A to Z of artists Aldridge, Denis 1891 - 1985

Born at Syston in Leicestershire, Aldridge’s family soon moved to Sketchley Hall, near Hinckley.  He came from a notable artistic family, one of his aunts on his mother’s side being a star pupil in Herkomer’s studio at Bushey.  He was educated first at Bilton Grange, near Rugby, then Harrow, where he was considered such a promising pupil in the Art School that his master advised him to make painting his career.  Family opposition prevented this until many years later when his friend, Lionel Edwards, RI persuaded him to paint again (in the meantime he had become a successful farmer and top breeder of Dairy Shorthorns).  Aldridge and Edwards had often painted together either in Leicestershire or at the latter’s home in Wiltshire and the influence of the older artist can be clearly seen in his work. 

Having hunted all his life, first with the Atherstone and Pytchley, and later as secretary to the Quorn, Aldridge is meticulous in portraying all the details and atmosphere of a hunting scene.  His other main subjects are deer in Scotland and on Exmoor, dogs, and equestrian portraits.  He illustrated Winter Magic, a book by Edric Roberts. 

Source: The Dictionary of British Equestrian Artists by Sally Mitchell (1985), published by the Antique Collectors’ Club.