Harold Hume Piffard, The Aviatrix, large oil on canvas , original frame, c1920

Size:  65 x 75 cm (25.5 x 29.5 inches), canvas measured from back 51 x 61 cm (20 x 24 inches)

Condition:  Painting and frame in very good condition, no scratches or losses, canvas tight, not reframed.

Harold Hume Piffard was noted not only as a painter and book illustrator, but also as an early aviator.

In this painting the lady portrayed appears to be wearing a rather chic flying jacket, while she hold in her hands a spray of violets.  We have given the painting the title The Aviatrix.

The painting is signed by the artist. The back of the frame carries what looks like an auction number, a label of Aldridge Brothers, frame makers, Worthing, and ink stamps (Windsor & Newton etc) on the back of the canvas.

Harold Hume Piffard (1867-1939) was a lively character. He trained at the Royal Academy Schools, exhibiting his first painting at the Royal Academy in 1895. He illustrated over 100 books, such as Burnett’s A Little Princess. His oil paintings covered a wide variety of subjects, but many were, like this one, of alluring women in exotic costume. 

Piffard built and flew the “Hummingbird” biplane in 1910, at a height of 30 to 40 feet for half a mile, marking him among Britain’s aviation pioneers.