Living 1860 – 1954, George Edward Lodge was born at Horncastle in Lincolnshire, the son of Samuel Lodge. From an early age the young Lodge showed an interest in natural history, drawing and painting. He also learned the art of taxidermy, which gave him a profound understanding of avian anatomy.

Although he became greatly admired for all his depictions of birds, he had a particular fondness and interest in raptors and was often seen bearing either a hawk or a falcon on his arm. He was a great sportsman and particularly enjoyed annual visits to Scotland and Norway where he gathered material for his paintings.

He was a renowned gentleman and generous in his praise for other artists particularly his friend Archibald Thorburn, who...