Cyril Hardy
Street in Syria

Cyril Hardy which we believe is a pseudonym for Noel Harry Leaver and there is much discussion as to the identity of the artist Cyril Hardy however, it is well known that an artist who was contracted to paint for a certain gallery would produce work in another name to sell privately.

Noel Harry Leaver: 

Watercolourist and teacher, born in Austwick, Yorkshire. He studied at Burnley School of Art, graduating in 1910. Gained a Travelling Studentship in 1911 and a RIBA Owen Jones Studentship in 1912. Leaver then taught at Halifax School of Art. He travelled widely abroad, producing such works as 'In Sunny Algiers' and 'In Morocco'. Showed at a wide range of galleries and had works bought by Burnley Corporation, settling in the town.