In 1864 he visited Paris, eventually entering L’ Ecole des Beaux-Arts, where he studied with Pielse, a painter of battle scenes. After a short stay in Antwerp, he returned to England and in 1870 settled in London. Working in both oil and watercolour, his work was shown at many major exhibitions. In the following years he became an important addition to the London arts scene, exhibiting his work at the British Institution, the Royal Society of British Artists in Suffolk Street and the Royal Academy. His illustrations contributed to the Illustrated London News and The Graphic magazine. Among his many patrons were the Sitwells of Renishaw, who admired his accurate observation of horses and the great sensitivity he brought to his subject.

“A Chat with the Keeper” shows clearly Hardy’s ability to capture the moment. Here we can see the huntsman with his hounds recorded with life-like accuracy. The hounds appear to be alive, and Hardy has used quick brush strokes and clever colours to describe their movement.

Works by Heywood Hardy can be seen today at the Victoria & Albert Museum and in Bristol.