RIP David Shepherd CBE, artist, conservationist, steam enthusiast.

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

David Shepherd CBE, artist, wildlife conservationist and steam rail enthusiast, passed away yesterday, 19th September 2017.

In rail circles he is perhaps best known for painting scenes of locomotives in the twilight years of steam on Britain's railways.

He was also at the forefront of rail preservation, buying steam locomotives, and setting up the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore.

His main interest was wildlife conservation. He was an outspoken campaigner on this front. Some of his most celebrated paintings are of elephants and big cats. Once asked which meant more to him; rail preservation or wildlife conservation, he replied, "you can always build another steam loco but you can't build another tiger."

Richard David Shepherd CBE FRSA FGRA born 25 April 1931, died 19 September 2017

[signalandtelegraph]

I had the honour of meeting him at Cranmore in 1972 when I was just a lad and my mum had taken me to see Black Prince.  His art, particularly the elephant paintings were on display (and for sale) in the signalbox at Cranmore IIRC^▸ (if I recall/remember/read correctly).  He signed a couple of postcards of his railway paintings for me (which I still have).  I don't think anyone else, apart from Cuneo perhaps, has captured the true spirit of the railway in a painting the way he did, even though a lot of the subject matter was of the decline of steam.

Another sad loss, RIP

[Western Pathfinder]

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Shepherd a few years ago at the RWEA in Clifton it was at the time of his exhibition  a true gentleman and a great supporter of Steam and conservation of locomotives and wildlife
I'm lucky enough to own two of his works they bring great pleasure to everyone who views them so thank you David for all that you have done and Rest in Peace Sir.

[johnneyw]

It's been decades since I went to Cranmore with my parents and brother. I'm inclined to go again next time young bro is visiting. Just trawled the TV channels to see if there's any re run of a program I saw about his work a while back. Hopefully there will be something soon.

[martyjon]

A tribute to David Shepherd was aired on this afternoons Radio 4's obituary program Last Words. The program is usually repeated on Sunday evenings. 

[Rob on the hill]

From UK^▸ (United Kingdom) Railtours:

The world became a poorer place when David Shepherd, world-famous artist and conservationist, passed away earlier this week.
 
 He was President of the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society, owners of 35028 ‘Clan Line’. Tomorrow’s ‘Atlantic Coast Express’ will bear a wreath as a mark of respect.