Henry Thorne was born in 1822 in Milborne Port, Somerset. He was a glover. His father, John, born in 1800 and also from Milborne Port was also a glover. Tragedy struck Henry twice by the age of 29 and in 1852 he moved up to Bermondsey to work in the leather trade and to start a new life.

The story of Henry was a feature at the Bermondsey Street Odyssey exhibition, held at Tanner House, Tanner Street SE1 from 17-21 September 2013. The Fashion and Textile Museum part-funded the project with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The work then moved to the Fashion and Textile Museum where it was on display until 13 December 2013.