Richard Hilder was an accomplished English landscape painter, inspired by the Dutch and Flemish masters.

Born in Holborn, London, Hilder’s artistic career flourished early and, by the age of 19, he was exhibiting at the Society of British Artists in London. It’s conceivable that he was introduced to the delights of landscape painting by his father, a broker, as this branch of art was becoming increasingly popular with middle-class patrons.

Stylistically, his oeuvre draws upon the mastery of the 17th-century Dutch and Flemish painters, particularly in terms of composition, earthy tones, and extensive chiaroscuro. It’s broadly natural but with an added sense of rugged drama. In this respect, it’s interesting to consider the works of Jan Wijnants (c.1635-1684) and Gillis Peeters (1612-1653).

Hilder portrayed rural life as unchangeable and permanent, which was a welcome relief amid the realities of increasing industrialisation. He’s represented in numerous public collections including at the Walker Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, and Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.

Exhibited

Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists, British Institution, Manchester Royal Institution.

Public Collections

Art Gallery of South Australia, Walker Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, Bowes Museum, Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, The Wilson, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Leeds Art Gallery, Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, Lotherton Hall, Leeds Museums and Galleries, National Trust at Anglesey Abbey, National Trust at Nunnington Hall.

Timeline

1813

Born in Holborn, London, to James Hilder, a broker, and Ann Hilder (nee Nicholls). 

1841

Married Emma Guest in St. Olave, Southwark, Surrey. 

1848

Lived at Stanhope Street, Hampstead Road, London. Occupation recorded in the Post Office directory as ‘Artist’.

1851

Died in Faversham, Kent.