Harold Copping (1863–1932)

Born in Camden Town in 1863, Harold Copping was a British artist and book illustrator, best known for his biblical illustrations. His maternal grandfather, John Skinner Prout, was a water-colour artist, and his brother, Arthur E. Copping, was a noted author and journalist. As a student, Copping won the Landseer Scholarship to study in Paris, and he quickly established himself as a successful artist. Commissioned by the London Missionary Society to illustrate biblical scenes, Copping traveled to Palestine and Egypt in order to give his artwork authenticity and realism, producing in 1910 The Copping Bible, which would go on to become a bestseller. In addition to his religious work, Copping illustrated a number of classics, from Little Women to Character Sketches from Boz, as well as school stories. Married twice, Copping had five children. He died in 1932.