The artist and conservationist David Shepherd had a lifelong interest in railways. They were not only the subject of many of his paintings, but he also actively supported railway preservation in the UK and abroad. He was instrumental in setting up the East Somerset Railway and owned a number of steam locomotives, the most famous of which were Class 9F Black Prince, later sold to the North Norfolk Railway, and BR 4MT The Green Knight, later sold to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. In this book J. C. Jeremy Hobson, professional author and David Shepherd’s youngest son-in-law, has drawn on family archives, paintings, drawings and photographs, private diaries and reminiscences to create a unique portrait of a remarkable man’s lifelong interest in railways with examples of his stunning paintings of steam locomotives, showing these magnificent machines in their full working glory.

'A worthy and well‑written volume, and one we’d recommend to any Steam Railway reader.' * Steam Railway Magazine, October 2024 *
'It is worth every penny of the purchase price, a wonderful tribute to a great artist, and there is no hesitation in recommending this volume as a worthy addition to any railway or art-lovers bookshelf and awarding it a rating of 5/5.' * Rail Advent, December 2024 *
'It gives a readable and rounded picture of an artist and active conservationist whose work is still enjoyed by millions.' * Friends of the National Railway Museum Review, Winter 2024-25 *

J. C. Jeremy Hobson has been a professional freelance writer, author and journalist for over two decades. He has, nevertheless, written books and articles for far longer. His first published article appeared in 1976; his first book 10 years later. Most recently he has compiled the authorised biography of wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd. You can follow Jeremy on Twitter - @jcjeremyhobson; Facebook - jcjeremy.hobson and also read his regularly updated monthly mini-blog via www.j-c-jeremy-hobson.co.uk.