About the artist
Dudley Hardy, an English painter and illustrator, was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire. As the eldest son of marine painter Thomas Bush Hardy, he received his initial artistic training from his father. He later attended the Düsseldorf Academy in 1882 for a three-year period. After studying for two years in Paris and Antwerp, he returned to London to live and work. From 1885 onwards, Hardy exhibited his artwork at the Royal Academy until his demise. His preferred themes were the Middle East and Brittany, capturing desert life and Breton peasantry scenes. Despite not visiting Sudan, he became a 'War Artist' during the 1890s Sudanese War, providing illustrations for London publications. Hardy's interest in illustration also led him to create poster designs influenced by French graphics. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London houses a significant collection of his illustrative works.
