Hiram Reynolds Bloomer

Wigwams by a River, Yosemite Valley

1871

Hiram Reynolds Bloomer, was born in New York on December 19, 1845. Bloomer came to California with his family in 1852 and settled in San Francisco. Having decided upon an art career, he became a pupil of Virgil Williams, Thomas Hill and Stephen Shaw from 1868-73. The years 1874–79 were spent in Paris, where he took over Whistler's old studio while studying with Duran and Pelouse. While there, his Old Bridge at Grez was purchased by the French government. The years 1879–90 were spent in England. Upon returning to the U.S., he attended the NAD for two years. 1892 he returned to San Francisco and resumed his residence and studio at 506 Battery Street. Early in his career he concentrated on portraiture, but after returning from Europe, he turned his attention to the local landscape. His works done after this time show the influence of the Barbizon painters. About the turn of the century he moved across the Golden Gate to Sausalito where he spent his remaining years. His life came to a tragic close on June 3, 1911 after he was hit by a cable car in San Francisco. His exhibitions were held at Mechanics Institute (SF), 1865, 1871; SFAA, 1872-1910; Centennial Expo (Philadelphia), 1876; Paris Salon and Expo Universelle, 1878; Royal Academy of Arts (London), 1879-90; Calif. State Fair, 1895-1901; Bohemian Club, 1897-1911; Del Monte Art Gallery (Monterey), 1907-09.