Wilson Hepple was an English painter and etcher, best known for his depictions of animals, particularly horses and domestic cats. He was born on 3 December 1853 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Hepple was one of the several children of a wood carver, which was likely his first exposure to the arts. He pursued his passion for art by studying at the Newcastle School of Art and later at the South Kensington School of Art in London.
His early work was influenced by the countryside of Northumberland, which is evident in his landscape and animal paintings. Hepple's affinity with animals, and his ability to capture their essence on canvas, quickly became the most defining aspect of his work. He gained a reputation for his realistic portrayal of horses, often working on commissions for horse owners who wanted their prized animals captured in art.
Throughout his career, Hepple exhibited his works extensively. He was a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy from 1879 onwards. His artworks were also shown at the Royal Society of British Artists and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. Despite his focus on animals, Hepple was a versatile painter who also produced portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes.
Hepple's etchings also contributed to his fame. He mastered the art of etching later in his life, which allowed him to reproduce his popular images more widely. His prints, like his paintings, often featured animals and rural scenes.
Wilson Hepple continued to paint until his death on 28 March 1937. His works remain appreciated for their attention to detail and the lively depiction of his subjects. Today, his paintings can be found in various art collections, including those of public galleries in the United Kingdom.
