Hilary Barker

Highland cow artist Hilary Barker (1947-2023) farmed Highland cattle for over 25 years. She worked mostly in soft pastels on slightly textured paper or card, and with quality artists’ acrylic on canvas. 

Hilary was passionate about the Highland cattle breed. “They are wonderful cattle to work with - lovely temperament, very hardy with a thick winter coat, great mothers and long lived. And of course, very picturesque, which is why I enjoy painting and drawing them so much. It’s great having the stars of the paintings just outside the back door!”

Hilary was elected president of the Highland Cattle Society in 1991, and did a lot to promote the breed at Highland shows and festivals. Later in life, she began to take her painting more seriously, heading out in all weathers to capture the cattle in their natural environment. She was delighted with the response, and leaves a legacy of unique artwork that adorns the walls of buyers around the world.