He was a realist painter, and focused on painting scenes of everyday life.[6] "People in crowds, in the streets, in pubs, waiting, playing, watching others, travelling to and from work."[7] His work was exhibited at the Society of Artists from 1927 to his death.[5] Later, in 1939, his first solo exhibition took place at the Grosvenor Gallery, Sydney.[1] A review of the exhibition described a collection of portraits in pencil and a series of oils. Of particular note, the work 'Travellers' was described as "bustling plebian."[8] In a similar vein, another review praised Badham's ability to paint "aspects of Sydney life which few painters have the courage to tackle."[9]
He died on 24 September 1961.[2] His obituary reported Badham died in Royal South Sydney Hospital on Sunday, aged 62. "Mr Badham, of Macleay Street Potts Point, was head teacher at the National Art School, East Sydney.[15]
^Dixon, Christine (1987). Herbert Badham, 1899-1961 : an exhibition organised by the Wollongong City Gallery with assistance from the Regional Galleries Association of New South Wales / catalogue essay: Christine Dixon ; curator: Christine France. Wollongong City Gallery. p. 4. ISBN0959425039.
^State Library of New South Wales; Macquarie Street, Sydney (9 March 2018). "Domesticity". State Library of NSW. Retrieved 11 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)