Ken Lilly was a British wildlife artist and naturalist who worked primarily as an illustrator. Much of his work was in children’s publishing although he used the same realistic style regardless of the audience. His paintings were regularly commissioned for reproduction as greetings cards and prints, and his work was exhibited in both group and solo exhibitions at home and abroad.

In 1996, he made the decision to take a year out, only accepting work that allowed him more freedom of subject and style. More importantly, he wanted time to fulfil some long overdue private commissions and concentrate on a book project involving portraits of notable racehorses. Sadly, all remain unfinished.

From one generation for the next

This website is for our families. Our children lost their grandfather when they were young and although they grew up with his books, barely knew him. They missed out on knowing a man who adored children, who dedicated his books to them and helped inspire them to appreciate the countryside and nature in all its forms – and to draw.

Our family geography means that the collection of original artworks we still have, along with the very many drafts, working drawings, field sketches, early works, miscellaneous artworks and photographic records from his studio, are only easily accessible to a few of us today. This digital gallery is the start of an archive representing all aspects of Ken’s work for the family to have access to, wherever they are – and for others to discover and explore, too.

© 2026 Estate of Ken Lilly