Born Ainstable, Cumbria, the son of a farmer, Irving studied at Newcastle School of Art under William Cosens Way. Worked as an illustrator for the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle. Gained a reputation as a portrait painter and was a member of the Bewick Club, Newcastle. Exhibited at the Royal Academy. Perhaps his most famous painting was 'Blaydon Races'. A full and comprehensive account of the artist can be found in The Artists of Northumbria, by Marshall Hall.