Charles Exeter Devereux Crombie, Scottish cartoonist (d. 1967)

Charles Exeter Devereux Crombie (1880–1967) was a distinguished British editorial cartoonist and illustrator whose keen eye for humour and elegant lines brought to life numerous publications and iconic postcard series during the early to mid-20th century. Born Charles Exeter Devereux Crombie on April 30, 1880, he left a significant, albeit often understated, mark on the visual culture of his era, celebrated particularly for his witty commentaries on British sporting life.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

A Scottish Childhood and London Upbringing

Crombie was the third son born to James Crombie, a respected Scots architect, and his wife, Bridget Philadelphia Vince. His early years were spent in Dumfries, Scotland, where he was born. However, the family's trajectory soon shifted south, and Charles grew up primarily in Lambeth, Surrey, throughout the 1880s and 1890s. This move was facilitated by his father's professional success, as James Crombie became a partner in the prominent London architectural practice of Byrne & Crombie. Living in bustling Lambeth during this period would have exposed the young Charles to a vibrant urban landscape, rich with artistic and commercial opportunities, undoubtedly influencing his early creative development. By 1901, the foundations of his artistic career were already laid, as he was actively working as both a sculptor and an artist from his family residence at 25 Rumsey Road in Lambeth, indicating an early and strong commitment to the visual arts.

The Rise of a Sporting Illustrator

The Iconic "Rules of Golf" Series

Charles Crombie truly found his niche and achieved widespread acclaim through his specialisation in cartoons and publication illustrations, particularly those focused on humorous sporting themes. His most enduring and commercially successful work was the collection of humorous postcard cartoons titled "The Rules Of Golf," published in 1906 by Perrier. This series rapidly captured the public's imagination, becoming an immediate best-seller. The charm and wit of these illustrations, which gently poked fun at the intricacies and etiquette of golf, resonated deeply with contemporary audiences and solidified Crombie's reputation as a master of observational humour. Following this phenomenal success, he went on to create other similar sporting collections, including "The Rules Of Cricket," all of which achieved comparable commercial triumph and further cemented his legacy as a beloved illustrator of the British sporting spirit.

Family Life and the Hogarth House Legacy

A Serendipitous Connection to the Bloomsbury Set

In 1907, Charles Crombie married Helena Wallace, who hailed from Wadhurst, Sussex, with their union taking place in Lambeth. Their family life soon took root, and by 1911, the couple had established their home at Hogarth House in the scenic Richmond Upon Thames, Surrey. It was here, in 1914, that their daughter, Irene Crombie, was born, marking a joyful chapter in their lives in this picturesque suburban setting. A fascinating and perhaps serendipitous twist of fate occurred in 1915 when a portion of their residence, Hogarth House, was sold to none other than the leading figures of the avant-garde Bloomsbury Set: Leonard and Virginia Woolf. The Woolfs were so captivated by the house's name and character that they chose to christen their groundbreaking independent publishing venture, the Hogarth Press, after it. This historical detail inextricably links Charles Crombie's personal history to one of the most influential literary and artistic movements of the 20th century, adding an unexpected layer to his biography.

Later Career and Enduring Contributions

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Charles Crombie maintained a prolific and diverse output, continuing to produce illustrations for a wide array of books and magazines across both the United Kingdom and the United States. His artistic versatility was evident in his work on classic literature; notably, he illustrated the Dodd Mead edition of William Makepeace Thackeray's timeless novel Vanity Fair, published in New York City in 1924, bringing his distinctive visual style to this literary masterpiece. Furthermore, Crombie's talent for capturing character and wit made him an ideal choice for illustrating the works of one of Britain's most beloved humorists. Between 1926 and 1930, he illustrated eleven of P. G. Wodehouse's iconic Jeeves short stories, which appeared in The Strand Magazine. These contributions showcased his ability to enhance popular narratives, further cementing his reputation as a sought-after illustrator. Charles Exeter Devereux Crombie passed away in 1967 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich portfolio of work that continues to offer charming insights into the social and cultural fabric of the early 20th century.

FAQs About Charles Exeter Devereux Crombie

Who was Charles Exeter Devereux Crombie?
Charles Exeter Devereux Crombie (1880–1967) was a prominent British editorial cartoonist and illustrator, renowned for his humorous and engaging works, particularly those depicting sporting themes.
What was Charles Crombie best known for?
He is most widely recognised for his hugely popular series of humorous postcard cartoons, "The Rules Of Golf," published by Perrier in 1906, which became a best-seller and spawned similar successful collections like "The Rules Of Cricket."
What was Crombie's connection to the Bloomsbury Set or Virginia Woolf?
In 1915, a part of Charles Crombie's home, Hogarth House in Richmond Upon Thames, was sold to Leonard and Virginia Woolf. The Woolfs were so inspired by the property that they named their influential publishing house, the Hogarth Press, after it.
Did Charles Crombie illustrate any famous books or authors?
Yes, he illustrated the 1924 Dodd Mead edition of William Makepeace Thackeray's Vanity Fair. He also provided illustrations for eleven of P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves short stories published in The Strand Magazine between 1926 and 1930.
Where can I see Charles Crombie's work today?
His iconic "The Rules Of Golf" postcards are frequently reproduced in books about golf history and design, and original postcards are sought after by collectors. His book illustrations can be found in various editions of the works he contributed to, and many of his images are available in digital archives focusing on early 20th-century illustration.