Home > Artists > Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936)


Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936)

Though well known as a writer, G K Chesterton was also a talented artist, and originally trained to become an illustrator. Working in pen and ink and coloured chalks, he illustrated his own books and those of his close friends, Hilaire Belloc and E C Bentley, in a highly distinctive style.
G K Chesterton was born in Campden Hill, London, on 29 May 1874, the son of an estate agent. His parents encouraged him in his artistic and literary interests, and he developed a particular enthusiasm for toy theatre. According to Alzina Stone Dale, his toy theatre ‘formed his artistic imagination, for in all his work Chesterton kept the clear, sharp view of a child, where the relationship between the visual and the moral is intimate and organic’ (page 82). His interest in the toy theatre would remain late into life as he employed cardboard figures, in his illustrative style, in performances for his godchildren.
Chesterton helped to form the Junior Debating Club while a pupil at St Paul’s School and, despite his studies at the Slade School of Art (1892-95), remained happier in the company of the club’s associates, notably E C Bentley, and Bentley’s Oxford friend, Hilaire Belloc.

Showing 1 result

Price