Reuban Ward Binks was born in 1880 in Bolton, Lancashire. He became most known for his canine portraits, landscapes and wildlife paintings. In his time, Binks was considered the leading artist in canine portraiture, and painted the dogs of three generations of the British Royal family. He also became internationally recognized, spending many months in the Punjab to paint for an Indian potentate. He also traveled to the US to paint commissioned works for prominent American families. After abandoning a career as a miniturist, due to the strain on his eyes, Binks pursued sporting subjects. He was a great lover of dogs, which is apparent in his emotive canine portraits. He developed a proficiency in a variety of media; drypoint etchings, aquatints, pastel and watercolor. His reputation grew in synchronicity with his talent, and he soon garnered the attention of the Royals. He was first commissioned to paint King Edward VI’s terrier, Caesar, and some of Queen Alexandria’s favorite dogs. He painted King George V’s Clumber spaniels, Cairns for King Edward VIII, and many more royal pets. Binks was often invited to the Royal shoots at Sandringham under the reign of King George V, so that he could sketch the birddogs at work. Many of Bink’s works appeared in UK publications such as the weekly newspaper, The Sketch, Field magazine, Country Life magazine, and Bystander magazine.