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Eric Gill: A Complex and Controversial Artist

William Golding

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Eric Gill

by Fiona MacCarthy

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Eric Gill (1882-1940) was a renowned English sculptor, printmaker, type designer and writer. He is best known for his monumental sculpture work, such as theStations of the Cross at Westminster Cathedral, and his typographic designs, such as the typeface Gill Sans.

Gill was born in Brighton, England, on February 22, 1882. He studied at the Royal College of Art in London and began his career as a sculptor in 1904. He quickly gained recognition for his distinctive style, which was characterized by its simplicity and elegance.

In addition to his sculpture, Gill also designed typefaces, wrote books on art and religion, and taught at the Royal College of Art. He was a devout Catholic and his religious beliefs had a profound influence on his work.

Gill was a complex and controversial figure. He was a gifted artist, but he was also a outspoken critic of modern society. He was accused of being a misogynist and a fascist, and his work was often banned or censored.

Despite the controversy, Gill's work remains highly respected today. He is considered one of the most important British artists of the 20th century.

Early life and education

Eric Gill was born in Brighton, England, on February 22, 1882. He was the son of a Congregationalist minister and his mother was a devout Christian. Gill attended the local grammar school, where he showed an early talent for art.

In 1900, Gill won a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in London. He studied there for four years and was influenced by the work of the Pre-Raphaelites and the Arts and Crafts movement.

Career

Gill began his career as a sculptor in 1904. He quickly gained recognition for his distinctive style, which was characterized by its simplicity and elegance. Gill's early work was mostly religious in nature, but he later also created secular works, such as the statues of Prospero and Ariel for the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Controversy

Gill's most famous controversy was over his book "Art Nonsense." In this book, Gill argued that modern art was a waste of time and that it was harmful to society. He also attacked the work of many of his contemporaries, including Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore.

Gill's views on art and society were not popular at the time, and he was often criticized for being reactionary and out of touch. However, he remained unapologetic for his beliefs and continued to speak out against what he saw as the decline of Western civilization.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, Gill's work remains highly respected today. He is considered one of the most important British artists of the 20th century.

Gill's sculpture can be found in many public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. His typefaces are also widely used, and his book "An Essay on Typography" is considered a classic work on the subject.

Gill's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a gifted artist, a controversial figure, and a devout Catholic. His work continues to be debated and discussed today, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important British artists of the 20th century.