Photograph of Eric Gill (October, 1937) at Pigotts, Buckinghamshire reproduced from Bibliography of Eric Gill

1937

Special Collections Z8342.2 GF46

London: Cassell and Co. Ltd

Arthur Eric Rowton Gill was born in Brighton, England, on 22 February 1882. While apprenticed to an architect in London, he developed a strong liking for lettering, and was influenced further by calligrapher Edward Johnston. Gill’s association with the principles of the Arts and Craft movement led him to establish three self-sufficient religious communities (Ditchling, Capel-y-ffin, Pigotts at High Wycombe) where, surrounded by family and friends, he worked as sculptor, stonecutter, wood-engraver, and type designer. A major event was his conversion to Catholicism in February 1913. He was a controversial figure, his well-known religious views at odds with his sexual behaviour. In 1936, Gill was named Royal Designer for Industry, in the field of typography and wood engraving. He died on 17 November 1940, survived by his wife Mary, and four children.