Born “Sidney Herbert Adams”, Herbert Sidney grew up surrounded by the art collection of his father, F.W. Adams, who was one of London’s top art dealers at the time. He was therefore immersed in the art world early on, and his talent was recognized at a young age. Sidney became skilled and highly sought after artist following his studies at the Royal Academy Schools, in Antwerp, and at the Ecoole des Beaux Arts. While a student he was taught by many prominent artist including de Keyser, Van Lerius, and Gerome. He bcame very famous for his astoundingly detailed and accurate portraits, and the British aristocracy sought him for their most important portraits.
Sidney changed his name by deed poll to Herbet Sidney and exhibited frequently at major academies and galleries under this name throughout his career. His works were exhibited in his lifetime at the Royal Society of Artists in Birmingham, Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, The Royal Academy in London, The Royal Cambrian Society, The Hiberian Academy, The Royal Institute of Oil Painters, and at Arthur Tooth and Son Gallery. The City Hall of Westminster houses his portraits of R.W. Granville-Smith and Booth-Heming.