John Ferneley

At first apprenticed until 1801 to his father, who was a master wheelwright, he was encouraged to take up painting by John Manners, 5th Duke of Rutland.

He traveled extensively in Ireland from 1806 to 1809, but returned to England to marry, and started working from Melton Mowbray.

Melton Mowbray was fast becoming a watering hole for the sporting fraternity and the place where modern fox-hunting developed in the late eighteenth century.

Hugo Meynell, a wealthy local bred his hounds to keep up with the horses and riders in their pursuit over hedges and ditches.

His work became much sought after, his patrons including many Royals and personalities such as Beau Brummel and the Count d'Orsay.