After studies in his hometown, Henry was forced while traveling to take shelter during a storm at Bordeaux, where he settled and became a partner with a merchant who sent him to Saint-Domingue.

He returned to France after the Haitian Revolution, and learned the restoration of paintings from fellow artists.

He augmented his skill in restoration with expertise learned during travels to Italy, Belgium, and England.

When he felt death approaching he decided to "ignite the flame of art" in his native town by donating his collection and establishing a museum.

On the 29 July 1835 the town of Cherbourg inaugurated the Musée Thomas-Henry, with Henry's collection of 163 paintings valued at 120,000 francs.