Albert James Lyddon was born in Islington, London, on 27th February 1872. He trained at Heatherley's School of Fine Art, followed by the Royal Academy Schools (1893–1898). Having had a career as a painter, Lyddon became the Principal of the Regent Street Polytechnic School of Photography. He painted portraits of several individuals connected with the Polytechnic, including Quintin Hogg (1845–1903), Alice Hogg (1846–1918), and Major Vincent Hoare (1973–1915), all of which are in the collection of the University of Westminster.

Lyddon died at 104 High Street, Clovelly, near Bideford in Devonshire, on 20th May 1945.

Kieran Owens