Hilary trained at Lancaster College of Art and Design, Leeds University (Bretton Hall) and Edinburgh College of Art and Design.

Hilary’s work takes inspiration from her children, nature, historic manuscripts, fairytales, impressionism, pattern and the theory of chaos; linear pattern within nature. Nature has always been at the heart of all Hilary’s work, which is vibrant with colour interaction and colour opposites. 

Hilary has worked in the archives of many national British museums, sketching inspiration for her children’s books and illustrations. These include the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum, London, the Harris Museum, Preston, Judges Lodgings Museum, Lancaster, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Martin Mere and the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port.

Hilary has four published books, with her next due to be published in the autumn of 2025, and two more to follow. 

Hilary’s work spans six decades, with some of her credits highlighted below: 

Various commissions, including a bespoke series of twelve paintings of the Isle of Lewis Chess Set, a large steam engine commission, multiples landscapes.

Author and illustrator of children’s books. Hilary’a first children’s book published by Quay Publishers 1990.

First children’s book nominated by the Lancashire Children’s Librarian Association for the Children’s Book of the Year Award.

The full set of paintings from Hilary’s first children’s book went on exhibition with the National Trust at Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire, on the recommendation of the then HRH Charles, Prince of Wales.

Illustrated for Royle Press London and Yorkshire Journal.

Critically acclaimed exhibitions featured in the national press.

Gives visual lectures in schools and art groups across the north of England.

Taught Art and English up to ‘A’ Level.

Wrote over a thousand short fairy tales (10 volumes) for Buttercup Publishers.

Hilary sells her books, cards, limited editions and large oil paintings at national fairs including the Great Yorkshire Show, The Royal Highland Show and the Country Living Christmas Fairs.

Hilary’s oil paintings are available directly from Hilary, and also in the Northern Lights Gallery in Keswick, Cumbria.