Frank Owen Salisbury Project

Frank Owen Salisbury

The goal of the project was to revive the almost forgotten legacy of Harpenden's most successful artist, Francis (Frank) Owen Salisbury (1874-1962). We wanted to make local residents aware of his achievements and provide a heritage trail of places associated with his life.

 
Self-portrait In the robes of the Master of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers

We started the project in late 2023. It was propelled by the return of Frank’s great-niece Angela Glyn Davies to Harpenden where she had been born and brought up. Her recollections and family knowledge informed the project. We have created a PowerPoint presentation, a portable display of photos of his work plus other memorabilia, and a 'trail’ guide to the Harpenden houses he lived in, his grave, his stained-glass work and mural in local churches, and the few reproductions of his paintings that can be seen locally. We have captured from Angela an oral history of her memories of the Salisbury family in her day. This is illustrated with some Harpenden scenes from his early life.

 
Red Gables, Leyton Road

 For a brief account of Frank’s life and achievements, click here.