Overview

Richard David Shepherd CBE, FRSA, FGRA (25 April 1931 – 19 September 2017) was a British artist celebrated for detailed, dramatic paintings of wildlife and steam locomotives. Born in London and later based in England, he achieved widespread popular recognition from the 1960s onward through limited edition prints and reproductions. Shepherd combined technical skill with a public profile as an active conservationist, using his art to raise funds and awareness for endangered species and habitat protection.

Style and main subjects

Shepherd worked primarily in oils and produced works characterized by realistic rendering, bold lighting, and careful attention to animal anatomy and locomotive detail. His best-known subjects were African wildlife—lions, elephants, rhinoceros—and classic steam engines rendered with equal affection. He also painted aircraft, landscapes and formal portraits, including a noted portrait of the Queen Mother. Editions of his work were widely licensed for posters, lithographs and decorative items.

Career highlights and reproductions

From the 1960s Shepherd's paintings reached a mass audience through licensed reproductions and commercial partnerships. His images appeared as limited edition prints, posters and commemorative items such as Wedgwood plates. He published several books about his art and experiences, including an autobiography that described his life as a painter and fundraiser. Collections of his works appear in private collections, and his pieces remain popular on the secondary market and among collectors of wildlife art.

Conservation work and legacy

Beyond his studio practice, Shepherd was widely known as an outspoken conservationist. He supported and raised money for wildlife charities, donated proceeds from sales and auctions, and helped to draw public attention to poaching and habitat loss. He established and worked with organizations dedicated to protecting endangered species, and his fundraising exhibitions and events generated support for field conservation projects. For more on his charitable activities see honours and philanthropy and a general overview at career summary.

Public recognition and final years

Shepherd received public honours and professional fellowships recognizing both his artistic achievements and his charitable work. His reputation rested on a rare combination of technical competence, popular appeal and active advocacy for conservation causes. He died on 19 September 2017 in Manchester after a battle with Parkinson’s disease; contemporary reports and obituaries describe his artistic output and campaigning activities. For biographical details and notices see biography, art catalogue and a memorial reference at tribute pages.

Collections, publications and notable works

Shepherd published five books about his work and life, and numerous limited editions and posters carried his imagery into homes around the world. Notable themes and items associated with his career include:

  • Wildlife paintings that doubled as fundraisers for conservation projects (prints and reproductions).
  • Paintings of steam locomotives; Shepherd owned and painted several heritage engines.
  • Formal portraits and aircraft studies that demonstrate his range as a representational artist (portrait examples).
  • Published books and an autobiography documenting his techniques, travels and philanthropy (published works).

Shepherd is remembered for bringing wildlife imagery to a broad public while using his popularity to support conservation. His paintings remain a reference point in late 20th‑century British wildlife art, noted both for their craftsmanship and for their contribution to charitable causes.