Painter, notably in watercolour, printmaker and teacher, born in North Shields, Northumberland. He had an unhappy childhood, working as a delivery boy in his father’s butcher’s shop, in the evenings copying reproductions of old masters in the Free Library. Encouraged by local art enthusiasts, Horton began to support himself as a professional artist after leaving home. He took a studio and advertised lessons in art. In about 1918 Horton settled permanently in London, by which time was establishing a wide reputation, and in 1922 had his first one-man show in Britain at Greatorex Gallery. He also showed at Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle, at RA, RSA and to much acclaim in Netherlands and Paris. The artist continued to make regular visits to northeast England and, after his London studio was bombed in 1940, lived in Spital Tongues, Newcastle, until 1945, but died in London.
Mills, canals and coastal scenes in Holland and the northeast were his speciality. Memorial and centenary shows were held at South Shields Public Library and Museum in 1951 and 1959; Moss Galleries, Hexham, held and exhibition in 1982.