Harry Neilson was born in 1861 and little is known about his life. He was a sporting illustrator and painter, based mainly in Cheshire, and he is best known today for his delightful and informal hunt scenes. In particular, he illustrated the book in verse written by Sir Francis Burnauld, The Fox’s Frolic, which was published by William Collins at the turn of the century.
Some of his original works are held in the collection of Alison Uttley, another well-known children’s author and artist. Perhaps his best-known painting, Mr Fox’s Hunt Breakfast on Christmas Day, is actually a representation of five members of the Blankney (Lincs.) Hunt around 1900. Harry Bingham Neilson died in 1941.
