(1792 - 1867)
The painter of coaching and sporting subjects, and engraver James Pollard was the son and pupil of Robert Pollard (1755-1838), an engraver and publisher. He also received help and advice from the wood-engraver and naturalist Thomas Bewick (1753-1828). In 1820 Pollard began to paint coaching scenes and by 1825 he was successful enough to leave his father, marry, and set up on his own. He exhibited a few works at the Royal Academy, the British Institution and the Society of British Artists in Suffolk Street, but worked mainly for dealers and private patrons. In 1840 both his wife and youngest daughter died. This was a blow from which he never fully recovered and his later work shows evidence of decline.
