Greiffenhagen was a friend of Francis Newbery, the inspiring Headmaster of Glasgow School of Art. In 1906 Newbery appointed him Head of the Life School, a post he held until 1929. Newbery owned a house in Walberswick, an attractive Suffolk fishing village that has attracted artists for almost two centuries. Greiffenhagen, as well as a number of Glasgow Boys, such as E.A. Walton, was a frequent visitor in the first decade of th twentieth century. 

Maurice Greiffenhagen RA, 1862-1931

Born in London of Danish descent, Greiffenhagen trained at the Royal Academy Schools. Early in his career he produced drawings for newspapers and magazines and illustrated many books, including the novels of Rider Haggard. An academic painter, he is remembered mainly for his portraits, but he also executed a number of romantic allegorical subjects, murals and posters. He was a founder member of the New English Art Club.