Born in Batley in 1959, Antony spent his formative years growing up in the
wonderfully varied Yorkshire countryside, his interest in nature encouraged
from an early age. A wide variety of wild waifs and strays added to a growing
collection of ever more exotic pets, providing early inspiration for adolescent
drawings. A Barn Owl was Antony's first introduction to birds of prey, and
then, aged sixteen, his training of a Kestrel was the start of the love affair
with the sport of falconry. At seventeen Antony completed a foundation course
at Batley Art College, before embarking on formal training at Manchester
Polytechnic, though the lure of the outdoors caused many a clash with the
college authorities!
After completing his degree, Antony began his career as a freelance artist in 1981, specialising in wildlife and countryside subjects. With his infectious enthusiasm and natural ability as a raconteur, Antony's popularity on the lecture and talks circuits soon attracted the attention of the media and many T.V., newspaper and magazine appearances followed.
Throughout the eighties Antony acquired an international reputation for
high quality artwork, leading to prestigious commissions from around the
world. In 1992 he provided illustrations for 'Falconry Art & Practice',
the first of several books by Emma Ford. This collaboration between Antony
and Emma resulted in two high quality volumes, 'Peregrine' and 'Gyr Falcon'
setting a standard seldom matched in modern publishing. The Times book review
was moved to print the following:- 'Peregrine is not just, or even primarily,
a falconry book. It is a thoughtful and coherent celebration of the bird:
wild, captive, ancient, modern and future. Its text, paintings and photographs
all bear the one hallmark that matters, the one 
which signifies the marriage
of countless hours in the field with the pursuit of excellence and an undisguised
passion for the subject. They have pooled their expertise and have produced
one of the most beautiful bird books you are likely to see.'
By 1998 Antony had illustrated six books, and his ever growing profile attracted the attention of Barbour clothing, who invited him to feature in a national advertising campaign.
Although falconry began as a hobby, it soon became apparent that the birds
made ideal models for painting demonstrations and talks, and now some of
them are equally, if not better know than Antony! The 'star' is undoubtedly
'Macon', his African Black Eagle with a wingspan of nearly seven feet! He
is spectacularly beautiful with an unusually easy going nature, though not
as laid back as 'Larry', Antony's Harris' Hawk - a veteran of personal appearances.
Also featuring in Antony's adventures are various owls and falcons specially
trained to work with the public.
Antony also visits special schools and works in conjunction with social services to offer a therapeutic and educational service. Animals and Art can be used as therapy to instill confidence and build self esteem in people with disabilities and learning difficulties.
