Edward Bawden
Edward Bawden
Bawden was among Britain's most original mid-twentieth-century print and poster makers. In a career spanning over 60 years, he produced some of the most influential designs of the twentieth century, from advertising material for Shell to ceramics for the Orient Line. His was a characteristically eccentric English vision. Read more
Bawden was born in 1903 in Braintree, Essex, and from 1922-25 studied in London at the Royal College of Art under Paul Nash, along with his contemporary and friend Eric Ravilious. He illustrated books, designing patterned paper and borders, for Curwen Press during the 1920’s.
As an official war artist during the Second World War, Bawden was sent on a number of expeditions to the Middle East. His evocative water colour paintings in Iraq captured the unique life of the Marsh Arabs and their reed dwellings. He went on to illustrate many well-known books, including Aesop's Fables, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Tales of Troyand Life in an English Village.
Bawden was a versatile printmaker, using several techniques including woodcuts, line drawing, linocutting and copper engraving. Kew Gardens, Brighton, Liverpool Street Station, London Markets and London Monuments were subjects that attracted Bawden's eye, He also painted a number of successful murals, as well as designing wallpaper and ceramic wall tiles. His commercial work included illustrations and poster designs for London Transport, Westminster Bank and Twinings, and for Fortnum & Mason and Imperial Airways in the 1930s.
Bawden was awarded a CBE in 1946, and his work can be seen in many major galleries.