Hal Hurst facts for kids
Hal Hurst (1865–1938) was a talented English artist. He was a painter, an etcher (someone who makes prints using a special technique), a miniaturist (who painted tiny pictures), and an illustrator. He was also one of the first members of the Royal Miniature Society, an important art group.
Contents
Life and Work
Hal Hurst's Early Life and Art Journey
Hal Hurst was born Henry William Lowe Hurst in London in 1865. His father, Henry Hurst, was a well-known traveler in Africa and a publisher. Hal went to St. Paul's School in London.
After school, he started drawing and illustrating events happening in Ireland. He then traveled to the United States of America. There, he found work drawing for newspapers in New York City and Philadelphia.
Becoming a Professional Artist
Hal later returned to Europe to study art. He attended the Royal Academy Schools in London and the Académie Julian in Paris. He showed his artwork in many major galleries in London.
He became a member of several important art groups:
- The Royal Society of British Artists in 1896.
- The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1898.
- The Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1900.
Hal was also a founder of the Royal Miniature Society in 1896. He was the Vice-President until 1913 and later became an Honorary member.
Illustrations and Family Life
Hal Hurst shared an art studio in Mayfair, London, with Alyn Williams. Williams was also a founder of the Royal Miniature Society. Hal was a very busy and respected artist.
He illustrated more than 20 books. One famous book he illustrated was The American Claimant by Mark Twain. His drawings also appeared in popular magazines like Punch, Harper's Weekly, Vanity Fair, and Illustrated London News.
Hal Hurst was married and had one son and two daughters. They lived in Bayswater, London. He was friends with Douglas Sladen, a well-known author and travel writer. Sladen owned many of Hurst's paintings and described him as a "very clever painter."
The National Art Library in London has letters written by Hal Hurst. He passed away in 1938.
Exhibitions
Hal Hurst's artwork was shown in many art exhibitions. These shows allowed people to see and appreciate his paintings and illustrations.
Solo Exhibitions
These were shows where only Hal Hurst's art was displayed:
- "Exhibition of paintings & sketches by Hal Hurst, R.B.A." at The Modern Gallery in London (1899).
- "Facts and fancies" in oil and water colour by Hal Hurst, R.I., R.B.A. at The Dore Gallery in London.
- "Exhibition of Water Colours by Hal Hurst, H.R.M.S., R.B.A., R.I" at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Canada.
Group Exhibitions
These were shows where Hal Hurst's art was displayed alongside other artists' work:
- "London of today together with some portraits by Hal Hurst, R.I., R.B.A., V.P.R.M.S." at The Dore Gallery in London.
- The Exposition Universalle in Paris (1900).
