Sometimes creativity and artistic talent runs in families. There are many fantastic examples, including the Holbeins, the Brueghels, and the Pissarros. However, if you consider art focusing on the British countryside, the Soper family is one of the most notable. Patriarch George Soper and daughters Eva Lillian and Eileen Alice produced hundreds of amazing works. Let’s have a closer look so you can learn about their stunning art.
A love of the countryside
George Soper is renowned for his work as an illustrator, with works featuring in notable books like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Arabian Nights. However, it is his art celebrating rural life in Britain that truly connects with people. You can see the love he has for the landscapes, as well as the people that work here and their animals.
One of the most pivotal moments in Soper’s life was moving to Harmer Green in Hertfordshire in 1908. The house here became known by Eva and Eileen as the “Wilding”. It was the perfect setting for all three to enjoy their love of the countryside and develop their artistic talent. Part of the property also became a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, popular with all kinds of wildlife.
George Soper was hands-on with teaching Eva and Eileen. Neither had formal art school education; instead they learned at the large studio at the Wilding.
Birds
Older daughter Eva Soper was born in 1901. She became well known for her printing, painting, modelling, and cast making skills. Most notable here is her incredible bone china bird figurines. The Wilding was the perfect setting to observe birds because of the gardens. She made 24 different realistic, high detail figures in total, including a robin, a wren, and a wood warbler.
Capturing joy, movement, and freedom
Younger daughter Eileen was born in 1905. She is the most famous name from the family, particularly because she did illustrations for Enid Blyton, including all 21 Famous Five books. Her talent was clear very early on, with two of her etchings going on show at the Royal Academy in 1921. She had a wonderful ability to capture children at play, celebrating their joy and freedom. Later in life she began focusing on wildlife illustrations and writing wildlife books.
Legacy
George Soper passed away in 1942. Sadly, Eva and Eileen both passed in 1990 after suffering from illness. A treasure trove of over 100 years of art was then found in the Wilding. The collection had everything, including drawings and sketches, illustrations, watercolours, and more. There were literally thousands of works. It became a collection, celebrating the talent of one of Britain’s best artistic families. You can see it for yourself at Pannett Art Gallery in Whitby, a notable location because of a direct link to the family.
Interested in George Soper or Eileen Soper art?
Charter Prints has one of the most exceptional collections of prints, watercolours, sketches, and other works from a variety of artists. The pieces are fantastic, with most in fine condition and also signed. There are some by George and Eileen Soper if you want to add them to your collection.
If you want to see what we have to offer, have a look here. Then, you can contact us if you want any further details or would like to purchase anything.