Harold Hume Piffard Paintings

Harold Hume Piffard was a British painter and illustrator born in 1867 in London, England. He was an active artist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Piffard is often remembered for his historical and genre paintings, as well as for his work as an illustrator in various publications of his time.

In his early years, Piffard trained at the Heatherley School of Fine Art in London. This education provided him with the foundational skills necessary to embark on a career as a professional artist. He was known to have a particular interest in historical subjects and was adept at capturing scenes from different periods with attention to detail and historical accuracy.

Throughout his career, Piffard contributed illustrations to several books and periodicals. His work appeared in popular magazines of the day, such as 'The Strand Magazine' and 'The Graphic'. His illustrations often accompanied serialized novels and other literary works, bringing the narratives to life with his visual interpretations.

Piffard was not only confined to the realms of painting and illustration; he was also a pioneering aviator. His passion for aviation was such that he helped to found the first aero club in the United Kingdom, the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain, which later became the Royal Aero Club. This interest in flight was also reflected in some of his art, which included depictions of aircraft, a subject quite innovative and modern for his time.

Despite his various talents and contributions to both art and aviation, Harold Hume Piffard did not gain the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries. Nevertheless, his work has been appreciated by collectors and historians, particularly those with an interest in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Piffard lived through the tumultuous times of World War I, and the changing social and artistic climate of the early 20th century. He continued to practice his art until his death in 1938. While he may not be widely known today, his paintings and illustrations remain as a testament to his artistic skill and his varied interests during a dynamic period of British history.