Harold Copping

Harold Copping was born in Camden Town, London, England in 1863. His father was a journalist and his mother was the daughter of the water-color artist John Skinner Prout.

Harold attended the London Royal Academy and won a scholarship to study in Paris. He quickly established himself as a capable painter and illustrator. Harold illustrated works for books such as Westward Ho!, Children’s Stories from Dickens, and A Christmas Carol – among others. Harold worked for most of his life as an illustrator and is best known for his religious art. He lived for many years in Kent, England where he worked in his studio painting Biblical scenes. He passed away in July 1932.

Harold devoted most of his artistic talents to religious art. Harold was connected to multiple missionary societies, such as the London Missionary Society, who commissioned him to do works depicting Biblical scenes. Harold traveled to Egypt and Palestine in order to achieve realism and accuracy for the scenes. In 1910, a book was published containing the works that Harold had done. This book, The Copping Bible, was a best seller and led to more commissions from missionary societies and more books. He would use friends and family as models and would frequently paint them in his home where he kept a collection of props and Biblical-style apparel. Harold Copping’s religious works became known in Christian sectors all throughout the world and were published as posters and magazine illustrations.  

.