The artist's father Alfred Hatton was a keen sportsman who played tennis, cricket and golf; he was one of the founders of the Herefordshire Golf Club. As a young man he raced a penny farthing bicycle. The family wealth was established in glove-making and tanning. Alfred was occupied with the leather business and the factory in St. Peters Street produced the Wye boot". Brian's relationship with his father was good though not so close as with his mother. Letters to his father are more common after his mother's death; one such letter on the subject of Brian's marriage is quite revealing: "I have just got married to Biddy today by soldier's licence. I only decided to go through with it last night and got Biddy down to talk it over with her... I hope when you get over this shock you will give us your blessing. We shall need all that we can get! Yes, I know I am a silly young fool and all that. But I am still your loving son, Brian.