 He was still there in 1881, noted as living in Masbro Road west.Prior was a follower of Thomas Bewick's pupil William Harvey.He trained at Henry Vizetelly's (1820–1894) wood-engraving establishment with Francis Danby (landscape), W. H. Thwaites (figures), R. Hind (figures), and Martin, son of John Martin the painter (figures and portraits).