Dictionary of National Biography, 1912 supplement/Bowler, Henry Alexander
BOWLER, HENRY ALEXANDER (1824–1903), painter, son of Charles and Frances Anne Bowler, was born in Kensington on 30 Nov. 1824. After being educated at private schools he studied art at Leigh's School and the Government School of Design at Somerset House. In 1851 he was appointed headmaster of the Stourbridge School of Art, but was soon transferred to a teaching appointment in the school at Somerset House, where he had received his training. In 1855 he was appointed an inspector in the science and art department, and in 1876 became assistant director for art at South Kensington. From 1861 to 1899 he was teacher of perspective at the Royal Academy. He also held important posts in organising the international exhibitions of 1862 and subsequent years. From 1847 to 1871 he exhibited ten pictures, mostly landscapes, at the Royal Academy, and others at the British Institution and elsewhere. A water-colour by him, 'Luccombe Chine, Isle of Wight,' is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the figure of Jean Goujon, among the mosaic decorations of the south court of the museum, was executed from his design. He retired from the science and art department in 1891. He died on 6 Aug. 1903, and was buried at Kensal Green. On 4 Aug. 1853 he married Ellen Archer Archer, daughter of Thomas Archer, J.P., vicar of Whitchurch, Bucks, and had three sons and one daughter.
[Victoria and Albert Museum, Catalogue of Water-Colour Paintings, 1908; Graves's Royal Academy amK British Institution Exhibitors; private information.]