Norman Hepple (1908-1994)

               Robert Norman Hepple was a distinguished British portrait painter, engraver, and sculptor, renowned for his formal portraits of the British royal family and his contributions to wartime art. Born in London, Hepple was the son of portrait painter Robert Watkin Hepple and the nephew of animal painter Wilson Hepple. He studied at Goldsmiths College of Art and later at the Royal Academy Schools where he earned a scholarship in engraving. Whilst there he came under the influence of Sir Walter Russell (1867-1949), a distinguished portrait and landscape painter in the late Victorian style.

Hepple began his career as a commercial artist and illustrator, notably creating illustrations for novels by Mary Webb during the 1930s. His artistic journey was interrupted by World War II, during which he joined the London Fire Service and served as an official war artist to the National Fire Service. His wartime works are held in the collections of the Imperial War Museums. Post-war, Hepple established himself as a prominent portrait artist, painting members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother. His 1978 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was adapted for use on banknotes issued in Jersey. Hepple also painted landscapes, horses, and flowers, often for relaxation.

His artistic style recommended him as a favourite artist of the monarchy during a period when its relationship with the public was being dramatically redefined due to the growth of printed and broadcast media. Hepple’s portraits may be seen as a modernisation of the society portraits associated with the second half of the nineteenth century. Based on impressive technical skills, with high levels of verisimilitude, his paintings often provide a relaxed, more informal insight into the sitter’s character. Hepple’s perceptiveness as a portraitist created many psychologically compelling works, more restrained in artistic manner than artists of the previous generations such as John Singer Sargent; arguably a reflection of the sombre post-war decade and the uncertain status of figurative painting in the face of the post-modern art movements that were ascendent in the proceeding decades.

The technical excellence of Hepple’s art led to his distinguished position amongst his peers. He was a member of the New English Art Club (NEAC), elected in 1951, and held prominent positions in the art establishment, including serving as President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters from 1979 to 1983. Hepple was also an Associate Member of the Royal Academy (RA) from 1954 and became a full Academician in 1961. His works are held in various prestigious collections, including the National Portrait Gallery, London, Royal Academy of Arts, London, Guildhall Art Gallery, London, National Museum Wales, Cardiff, Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, Beecroft Art Gallery, Southend Museum, National Railway Museum, York, Birkbeck University of London, All Souls College, Oxford.