Norman Hirst was born in Liverpool and attended Herkomer’s School at Bushey in 1885 remaining there until 1895. He learned his etching and mezzotiinting skills at the studios of H T Cox whilst at Bushey. He was made an associate of the RE in 1931 and showed extensively at the RA and at the Fine Art Society, Abby Gallery and at the RI. He was included in the exhibition “Three Bushey Artists” at the Bushey Museum Trust in 1991. Ref: Guichard: British Etchers,1850-1940. Published Garton 1977.