Eileen Soper (1905 - 1990)

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.

Eileen Soper

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Rabbit

Signed with initials l.r.
Pencil
Framed

11 by 15 cm., 4 ½ by 6 in.
(frame size 26.5 by 29.5 cm., 10 ½ by 11 ¾ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


A Rabbit - Framed Pencil Drawing by Eileen Soper

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Fox Cubs

Pencil
Framed

13 by 15 cm., 5 by 6 in.
(frame size 28.5 by 29.5 cm., 11 ¼ by 11 ¾ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Fox Cubs - Pencil Drawing by Eileen Soper

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Fox

Pen and ink over traces of pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

12.5 by 19 cm., 5 by 7 ½ in.
(mount size 24.5 by 30.5 cm., 9 ¾ by 12 in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Fox - Drawing by Eileen Soper

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Badger

Bears artist’s studio stamp on the reverse
Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

12 by 17.5 cm., 4 ¾ by 7 in.
(mount size 24 by 29 cm., 9 ½ by 11 ½ in.)
Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Badger - Pencil Drawing by Eileen Soper

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Roe Deer

Bears artist’s studio stamp on the reverse
Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

11 by 17.5 cm., 4 ¼ by 7 in.
(mount size 23 by 29 cm., 9 by 11 ½ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Roe Deer - Pencil Drawing by Eileen Soper

Pen and ink with scratching out and traces of pencil

(mount size 22 by 25.5 cm., 8 ¾ by 10 in.)

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the 

 books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first 

 was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: 

 (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote 

 of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.

Otter - Pencil Drawing by Eileen Soper

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Field Mouse

Bears artist’s studio stamp on the reverse
Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

9.5 by 13.5 cm., 3 ¾ by 5 ¼ in.
(mount size 21.5 by 25 cm., 8 ½ by 9 ¾ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper Drawing of a Field Mouse

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Vole and Young

Bears artist’s studio stamp on the reverse
Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

9.5 by 12.5 cm., 3 ¾ by 5 in.
(mount size 21.5 by 24 cm., 8 ½ by 9 ½ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper Drawing of a Water Vole and Young

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Birds Feeding

Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

8 by 10.5 cm., 3 ¼ by 4 in.
(mount size 20 by 22 cm., 8 by 8 ¾ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper Pencil Drawing of Birds Feeding

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

A Young Otter

Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

7 by 17.5 cm., 2 ¾ by 7 in.
(mount size 19 by 29.5 cm., 7 ½ by 11 ½ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Pencil Drawing of a Young Otter

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Badger Raiding a Dustbin

Signed with initials l.r.
Pen and ink
Unframed, in conservation mount only

10 by 12 cm., 4 by 4 ¾ in.
(mount size 22 by 24 cm., 8 ¾ by 9 ½ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Badger Raiding a Dustbin - pen and ink drawing

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Young Seals

Pencil
Framed

11 by 16 cm., 4 ¼ by 6 ¼ in.
(frame size 26.5 by 31 cm., 10 ½ by 12 ¼ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Young Seals

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Nuthatch

Pencil
Framed

9.5 by 13 cm., 3 ¾ by 5 in.
(frame size 24.5 by 28 cm., 9 ¾ by 11 in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Nuthatch

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Squirrel

Pencil
Framed

12.5 by 12 cm., 5 by 4 ¾ in.
(frame size 27.5 by 26 cm., 10 ¾ by 10 ¼ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Squirrel

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Mouse

Bears artist’s studio stamp on the reverse
Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

5.5 by 13 cm., 2 ¼ by 5 in.
(mount size 17 by 25 cm., 6 ¾ by 9 ¾ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Mouse

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Otter

Signed with initials l.r.
Pen and ink
Unframed, in conservation mount only

11 by 12.5 cm., 34 ¼ by 5 in.
(mount size 23.5 by 24.5 cm., 9 ¼ by 9 ¾ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Otter

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Courtship

Bears artist’s studio stamp on the reverse
Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

7.5 by 13 cm., 3 by 5 in.
(mount size 20 by 25 cm., 8 by 9 ¾ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Courtship

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Mouse and Hawthorn Berries

Bears artist’s studio stamp on the reverse
Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

7.5 by 9 cm., 3 by 3 ½ in.
(mount size 19.5 by 21 cm., 7 ¾ by 8 ½ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Mouse with Hawthorn Berries

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Studies of Mice

Pencil
Framed

12 by 17.5 cm., 4 ¾ by 7 in.
(frame size 35 by 38.5 cm., 13 ¾ by 15 ¼ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Studies of Mice

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Mouse and Rosehips

Pencil
Framed

18.5 by 13.5 cm., 7 ¼ by 5 ¼ in.
(frame size 41 by 35 cm., 16 by 13 ¾ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Mouse and Rosehips

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Studies of Voles

Pencil
Framed

20.5 by 15 cm., 8 by 6 in.
(frame size 43 by 36 cm., 17 by 14 ¼ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Studies of Voles

EILEEN SOPER
(1905-1990)

Hare Studies

Pencil
Unframed, in conservation mount only

8 by 10 cm., 3 by 4 in.
(mount size 23 by 24.5 cm., 9 by 9 ¾ in.)

Provenance:
The artist’s estate;
Chris Beetles, London;
Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.


Eileen Soper - Hare Studies

 Pencil  Unframed, in conservation mount only

 7 by 17 cm., 2 ¾ by 6 ¾ in.  (mount size 26 by 35 cm., 10 ¼ by 13 ¾ in.) 

The artist’s estate;  Chris Beetles, London;  Private collection.

 Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

 Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

 She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

 Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.

Company for Supper - Hedgehog Feeding - by Eileen Soper

 7 by 7.5 cm., 2 ¾ by 3 in.  (mount size 26 by 25.5 cm., 10 ¼ by 10 in.) 

 She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: 

Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991 

which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Swan by Eileen Soper

 8.5 by 14 cm., 3 ¼ by 5 ½ in.  (mount size 28 by 32 cm., 11 by 12 1/2 in.) 

Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991

 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden.

Swan Preening by Eileen Soper

 5 by 10 cm., 2 by 4 in.  (mount size 24 by 28 cm., 9 ½ by 11 in.) 

Pig Scratching by Eileen Soper

9 by 13.5 cm., 3 ¼ by 5 ¼ in.  (mount size 28.5 by 31.5 cm., 11 ¼ by 12 ½ in.) 

Swan Drinking by Eileen Soper

 Pencil and black chalk  Unframed, in conservation mount only

 5.5 by 13 cm., 2 ¼ by 5 in.  (mount size 24.5 by 31 cm., 9 ½ by 12 ¼ in.)

Shrew by Eileen Soper

 8.5 by 11 cm., 3 ½ by 4 ¼ in.  (mount size 28 by 29 cm., 11 by 11 ½ in.) 

The New Home - Birds at the Nest by Eileen Soper

11.5 by 14 cm., 4 ½ by 5 ½ in.  (mount size 31.5 by 32.5 cm., 12 ½ by 12 ¾ in.) 

Long-Tailed Tit Feeding Chicks by Eileen Soper

 Inscribed and dated l.r.: In the lucerne field; Sept ‘59  Pencil and black chalk  Unframed, in conservation mount only

 12.5 by 18.5 cm., 5 by 7 ¼ in.  (mount size 32.5 by 37.5 cm., 12 ¾ by 14 ¾ in.) 

 The artist’s estate;  Chris Beetles, London;  Private collection.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990.

Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA.

She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first Happy Rabbit was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including: 

Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.

Badgers in the Lucerne Field - drawing by Eileen Soper

 Signed with initials, dated and inscribed l.r: Little Feller, Jan 29 ‘66  Pencil  Unframed, in conservation mount only

20 by 15 cm., 8 by 6 in.  (mount size 39 by 33.5 cm., 15 ½ by 13 ¼ in.) 

Wild Encounters (1957) and No Badgers in My Wood (with Phil Drabble, 1979).

Duff Hart-Davis wrote Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper in 1991

Little Feller, a Muntjac by Eileen Soper

 Dated l.r.: June 14 1956, bears artist’s studio stamp on the reverse  Pencil  Unframed, in conservation mount only

 18 by 15 cm., 7 by 6 in.  (mount size 37 by 33.5 cm., 14 ½ by 13 ¼ in.) 

The Coconut Nest Box by Eileen Soper

9.5 by 16 cm., 3 by 6 in. (mount size 21.5 by 27 cm., 8 by 10 in.) 

: The artist’s estate; Chris Beetles, London; Private collection. 

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990. Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA. She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first 

(with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote

 Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper

 in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden. Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.

Pheasant Feeding by Eileen Soper

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was the live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990. Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA. She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first

 (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote 

 in 1991. Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.

Lizards by Eileen Soper

Inscribed and dated l.r.: White Headed Blackbird ”“ Feb/58 - also seen last winter 

Pencil Unframed, in conservation mount only 

17 by 11.5 cm., 6 by 4 in. (mount size 37 by 40.5 cm., 14 by 16 in.) 

 (with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote

White Headed Blackbird by Eileen Soper

5 by 10.5 cm., 2 by 4 in. (mount size 17 by 22 cm., 6 by 8 in.) 

Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper

Chicks by Eileen Soper

(with Phil Drabble, 1979) . Duff Hart-Davis wrote 

Squirrels on a Washing Line and Feeder

Pencil, unframed in conservation mount only.

Eileen Alice Soper was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1905. In 1908 the family moved to Harmer Green, Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside and she was to live in that same house of the rest of her life. She attended Hitchen Girls School and was artistically trained by her father, the noted illustrator and etcher, George Soper. The house, which she later named “Wildings” was built by her father, and Eileen and her older sister Eva, also an artist, inherited the house after his death in 1942 and turned the extensive garden into a sanctuary for the wildlife she studied and adored. The two sisters continued to live in the house until their deaths in 1990. Eileen showed early promise as an artist as at the age of only 15 two of her etchings were shown in the Royal Academy in London, after which she showed three prints at an exhibition organised by the International Society of Printmakers in California. She continued to produce around 180 etching mostly of children at play into the early 1930s. Queen Mary bought two of her etching and her work was extremely popular and exhibited in the UK and USA. She is probably best known for her work as an illustrator. Perhaps her most famous illustrations were her collaboration with Enid Blyton for whom she was to illustrate 35 books, most notably for all the Famous Five books. She illustrated and wrote her own books, her first 

 in 1991. Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972. Provenance: From the Estate of George and Eileen Soper. Chris Beetles Fine Art; Private Collection

Two Fox Cubs Playing by Eileen Soper

(with Phil Drabble, 1979). Duff Hart-Davis wrote 

Muntjac Fawns by Eileen Soper

6 by 11.5 cm., 2 by 4 in. (mount size 18 by 23 cm., 7 by 9 in.) 

Wildings - The Secret Garden of Eileen Soper 

in 1991 which is extensively illustrated with her delightful drawings and watercolours of the wildlife in her garden. Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972.

Hen Pheasant Feeding by Eileen Soper

Nutty Scratching ” Studies of a Nuthatch "

14 by 16 cm., 5 by 6 in. (frame size 36.5 by 37 cm., 14 by 14 in.) 

Nutty Scratching - A Nuthatch

7 by 10 cm., 2 by 4 in. (mount size 19 by 22 cm., 7 by 8 in.) 

Nuthatch by Eileen Soper

in 1991. Eileen Soper was a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and elected a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 1972. Provenance: From the Estate of George and Eileen Soper. Chris Beetles Fine Art; Private Collection

Black Rat by Eileen Soper

Fox Cubs Playing

6 by 16 cm., 2 by 6 in. (mount size 18 by 28 cm., 7 by 11 in.) 

Pheasant - Melanistic by Eileen Soper

Dachshund studies byEileen Soper

Hedgehog Swimming by Eileen Soper

Stoat Studies by Eileen Soper

Inscribed and dated 1968, pencil, unframed, in mount only

Muntjac and Fawns Playing by Eileen Soper

 was accepted by Macmillan in 1945 and was followed by many more including a book of poetry and from the 1950s she also wrote and illustrated many wildlife books including:

Brown Rat by Eileen Soper

12 by 18 cm., 4 by 7 in. (mount size 32 by 36 cm., 12 by 14 in.) 

Great Tits Threat Display by Eileen Soper

I have recently added some new Eileen Soper Wildlife drawings to my site.

Please contact me for overseas shipping quotes.

Eileen Soper - Wildlife Drawings

Online Exhibition

Eileen Soper

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Eileen Soper

Eileen Soper

Eileen Soper

Eileen Soper

Eileen Soper

Eileen Soper

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