Ludgate Hill in 1890

Original, Painting | N/A | Framed

POA

Oil on canvas.

Victorian Scene of London in Ludgate Hill commissioned by W N Sharpe Ltd now known as Hallmark Cards. Apparently one of the most successful Christmas card reproductions. As quoted by David: ‘To have this original painting in my collection gives me an especially warm feeling. One of the very earliest big commissions I had after my training with Robin Goodwin in the mid-1950s was from Hallmark Cards to paint a series of paintings, some ten in all, of various locations in England such as London, York and Norwich and all in the Victorian period, and they always wanted a dog in the picture. This was nothing short of a spectacular success for Hallmark, being reproduced as a Christmas card over many Christmases and it means a lot to me because of the research in doing the painting. All the signs hanging above the shops and the advertisements on the horse buses and even the engine going over the bridge are all accurate for the period in the strictest detail, so it is an historical record. Some years ago, and bearing in mind the significance of this painting to my early career, I wrote to Hallmark and asked them if I could borrow, buy or steal it back. Sadly I received no reply and I thought, “Why does one bother?” To my great surprise and joy, without any warning, it arrived in a crate some time later and although on loan from Hallmark it became part of the private family collection’.

Please contact us at dswf@davidshepherd.org or call on 01483 272323 for pricing and further information.

IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION

Please note postage and packing are not included in the purchase price of this artwork. A DSWF member of staff will contact you to discuss shipping. Import/export costs may also be payable for international deliveries. If you need further information, please email dswf@davidshepherd.org.

David Shepherd CBE

David Shepherd CBE was a founding father of the wildlife art movement whose work has become synonymous with Africa, wildlife and conservation. Known as ‘The Man who Loved Giants’ for his iconic elephant artwork, for decades his paintings have graced the walls of homes, libraries, exhibitions and public spaces and excite a passion in the viewer much like the emotion he felt during the creation of his work.

David was best loved for his archetypal African scenes portraying dusty waterholes teaming with life, capturing the heat and haze of an African landscape, all of which bring to life the sounds, smells and textures of a continent he called his second home. Beyond wildlife art, David had a prolific painting career which focused on many other topics and subjects. With an equal passion and love for military subjects, steam trains, landscapes and lesser seen portraits, his numerous originals and prints are held by collectors around the world.