Henry A. (Henry Alfred) Gardner

Born in 1882, Henry A. Gardner was an American specialist in paints, varnishes, and related materials whose work became widely known through technical books and research publications. Archive records for his major works identify him as Henry A. Gardner (Henry Alfred Gardner), 1882–1973, and show that he wrote detailed manuals on the analysis and testing of paints, varnishes, and colors.

His best-known books include Paint Technology and Tests and Physical and Chemical Examination of Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, and Colors. Those titles show the kind of work he devoted himself to: careful measurement, laboratory methods, and practical standards for evaluating coatings. He also co-authored The Preservation of the Exterior of Wooden Buildings, reflecting his interest in how protective finishes perform in real-world use.

Gardner's writing still stands out for its clear, methodical approach. Even today, his books give a vivid picture of an era when industrial chemistry was becoming more systematic, and when reliable testing was essential to better materials and better manufacturing.