The content of these web pages is dedicated to the memory of John Seymour Godden.
Godden was brought up in Worthing and lived in Islington, Tottenham and Hertford. After graduating from Oxford and completing his national service he worked as a Chief Librarian at the Central Office of Information and settled in Tottenham at Hampden Lane. In the 1980s John moved to 21 Dimsdale Street and other homes in Hertford until his death in 1999.
Principally self-taught, he drew his inspiration from his local surroundings. He rarely drew or sketched in the open, preferring to take photographs of landscapes or buildings, as he cycled round the district. He then translated the images into paint at home.
The result is a unique collection, with subjects ranging from the open spaces of the marshes by the River Lea to Hornsey Station and small Tottenham streets.
In addition to their artistic merit and unusual photographic style, Godden's works are a valuable resource for local historians, depicting landscapes and buildings many of which have changed significantly or been demolished
John Seymour Godden was Born 7th October 1930 Died 12th March 1999 at Hertford age 68 yrs.
The above comment courtesy :Bruce Castle Museum (Haringey Culture, Libraries and Learning)
Further details on the life of John Seymour Godden are on these pages Click HERE
John Godden "The Way I See It"
Exhibition 24th Feb 2024 to 2nd June 2024 at Hertford Museum
"The Blocked Window" by John Godden (Detail of painting)