Morris Harding RBS RHA

Morris Harding was born in Stevenage in Hertfordshire and was educated locally until he went to Cambridge University. Unfortunately he joined the Merchant Navy before completing his education. Harry Bates ARA who was Harding's uncle, was part of the 19^th century New Sculpture movement and so when Morris returned from the Navy, he worked in his uncle’s studio.

Harding became active in the arts field from 1912-1958. He was commissioned to paint a series of relief panels for Mappin Terrace in London zoo where he painted his favourite subject, polar bears. He was also commissioned to produce several other pieces of art such as war memorials.

Morris was a member of the Royal Society of British Sculptors and the Society of Animal Painters. In 1947, he became President of the Royal Ulster Academy and in in 1950 he was awarded the O.B.E and a Master of Arts Degree from Queen’s in 1958.