Hargrave Morrison

Identity:

Hargrave Morrison was an oil and colour merchant. He was the son of Nicholas and Maria Morrison, and was christened at St Luke's, Chelsea. He had a brother and a sister.

Life:

Morrison, who had his business on Duke Street and then at 78 Cheyne Walk Chelsea, knew Whistler and his mother, Anna McNeill Whistler. In fact, he described himself, as well as his mother and siblings, as having been in 'daily communication' with them. At his bankruptcy in 1879, Whistler owed Morrison £121.8.10 for purchase of goods and £8 for money lent, for which Morrison filed a legal claim [#11912, #11711].

However, Morrison does not appear to have held any grudges against Whistler. He owned several photographs of Whistler's work, and hoped one day to have enough money to buy an original. In December 1887 he requested that Whistler paint his portrait, reminding him that 'you are somewhat indebted to me' [#04191]. Whistler replied in January 1888 that he would be delighted and that sittings could start shortly [#09233]. However, there is no record of his portrait having been painted.

In 1881 he was living at Railway Hotel, Harrow Road, Harrow on the Hill, unmarried. He spent his latter years in Brighton. He was living there at the time of the 1901 census.

Bibliography:

UK Census, 1901.