elen was a fiercely private person and although he was married with children, he would never refer to his family by their names when interviewed by the press. from 1898 elen lived largely in balham, where he bred poultry and took up photography. he also became a keen fisherman, particularly during a spell in residence on the south coast, and enjoyed shooting. elen would not socialise with fellow artists, opting instead to go fishing, shooting or driving around the english countryside.