Births on February 22

Eric Gill, English sculptor and illustrator (d. 1940)

Arthur Eric Rowton Gill: A Complex Legacy of Artistic Genius and Profound Controversy

Arthur Eric Rowton Gill (February 22, 1882 – November 17, 1940) stands as one of the most paradoxical figures in 20th-century British art. An English sculptor, meticulous letter cutter, groundbreaking typeface designer, and accomplished printmaker, his artistic contributions were immense. Indeed, the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography once lauded him as "the greatest artist-craftsman of the twentieth century: a a letter-cutter and type designer of genius." Yet, the shadow of profound controversy has permanently fallen over his legacy following shocking posthumous revelations, particularly regarding his sexual abuse of two of his daughters. This stark contrast between his widely celebrated artistic output and his deeply disturbing private life ensures he remains a figure of intense debate and considerable moral complexity.

Early Life and Artistic Foundations

Born in Brighton, Gill spent his formative years in Chichester, attending the local college before making the pivotal move to London. His professional journey began with an apprenticeship at a firm specializing in ecclesiastical architecture, a period during which he simultaneously honed his practical skills through evening classes in both stone masonry and calligraphy. This blend of architectural understanding and hands-on craft proved foundational. Ultimately, Gill decided to abandon his formal architectural training to pursue his passion, establishing his own business focused on cutting eloquent memorial inscriptions for various buildings and headstones. It was also during this period that his eye for design began to manifest in print, as he started creating distinctive chapter headings and title pages for books.

Philosophical Journey and Craft Communities

Gill's intellectual and spiritual evolution was as rich and intricate as his artistic development. In his youth, he was briefly involved with the left-leaning Fabian Society, though he later resigned. Initially aligning with the influential Arts and Crafts Movement, a philosophical and artistic movement advocating traditional craftsmanship over industrial mass production, he soon became one of its most vocal critics. By 1907, he was actively lecturing and campaigning against what he perceived as the movement's inherent failings. A defining moment in his life came in 1913 with his conversion to Roman Catholicism, a faith he embraced wholeheartedly and maintained until his death. This spiritual commitment profoundly influenced his vision for society and art. He went on to establish a series of distinctive craft communities, each designed with a chapel at its spiritual core and emphasizing manual labour as a virtuous alternative to the burgeoning industrial methods of the era. The first and most renowned of these was at Ditchling in Sussex, where he founded the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic for Catholic craftsmen. Many members of the Guild, including Gill himself, were also part of the Third Order of St. Dominic, a lay division of the Dominican Order. During his time at Ditchling, Gill and his assistants produced several notable works, including significant war memorials at Chirk in north Wales and Trumpington near Cambridge, alongside a prolific output of religious subjects.

Peak Productivity: Typefaces and Architectural Sculpture

The Gill family embarked on a new chapter in 1924, moving to an isolated, disused monastery at Capel-y-ffin nestled within the remote Black Mountains of Wales. This deliberate seclusion perfectly suited Gill's desire to distance himself from what he increasingly viewed as a secular and industrialized society, proving to be one of the most productive periods of his remarkable artistic career. At Capel, he created powerful sculptures such as The Sleeping Christ (1925), Deposition (1925), and Mankind (1927). He also produced exquisite engravings for a series of books published by the Golden Cockerel Press, works that are still considered among the finest of their kind. Crucially, it was at Capel that he designed some of his most enduring and celebrated creations: the seminal typefaces Perpetua, Gill Sans, and Solus, which would go on to shape modern typography. After four transformative years in Wales, Gill and his family relocated to a cluster of properties at Speen in Buckinghamshire. In the last decade of his life, from Speen, Gill rose to prominence as an architectural sculptor, securing prestigious, high-profile commissions for central London buildings. These included monumental works for the iconic headquarters of the BBC and for the forerunner of the modern London Underground. His immense frieze, The Creation of Man, stands as a testament to his international acclaim, having been the British Government's official gift to the new League of Nations building in Geneva. Despite his declining health, Gill remained active as a sculptor almost until his final weeks, leaving several significant works to be completed by his dedicated assistants after his passing.

Prolific Writer and Controversial Views

Beyond his visual art, Gill was also a prolific writer on a wide array of religious and social matters, authoring an impressive body of work comprising some 300 printed pieces, including books and pamphlets. He frequently courted controversy through his steadfast opposition to industrialisation, modern commerce, and the pervasive use of machinery in both domestic and professional spheres. In the tumultuous years leading up to World War II, he further solidified his public stance by embracing pacifism and advocating for various left-wing causes.

The Unveiling of a Dark Side

Tragically, the profound integrity Gill projected through his religious beliefs and moralistic writings was starkly contradicted by his private actions. His extensive sexual activity included several extramarital affairs, but more disturbingly, as chillingly detailed in his personal diaries, it encompassed profoundly deviant sexual behaviour. These revelations, which became public in 1989, exposed his sexual abuse of his daughters, an incestuous relationship with at least one of his sisters, and even sexual experiments with his dog. The shocking contrast between his public persona as a devout Catholic artist-craftsman and the abhorrent acts documented in his private writings has ignited fierce debate. Since these revelations surfaced, there have been numerous calls from various quarters for works by Arthur Eric Rowton Gill to be removed from public buildings, galleries, and art collections, reflecting the deep discomfort and ethical dilemmas his complex and deeply troubling legacy presents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arthur Eric Rowton Gill

Who was Arthur Eric Rowton Gill?

Arthur Eric Rowton Gill (1882-1940) was a highly influential English sculptor, letter cutter, typeface designer, and printmaker of the 20th century, known for creating iconic typefaces like Gill Sans and his architectural sculptures for major London landmarks. However, his legacy is also marked by profound controversy due to posthumous revelations of sexual abuse.

What was Arthur Eric Rowton Gill famous for?

He was famous for his artistic genius in various crafts, particularly his seminal typeface designs (most notably Gill Sans and Perpetua), his sculptures (including architectural works for the BBC and London Underground), his meticulous letter cutting, and his engravings for fine presses. He was also a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement and a prolific writer on social and religious issues.

When did the controversies surrounding Gill emerge?

The full extent of the controversies surrounding Gill's private life, specifically revelations of his sexual abuse of his daughters and other deviant sexual behaviour, became publicly known in 1989 following the publication of Fiona MacCarthy's biography, which drew upon his personal diaries.

What typefaces did Arthur Eric Rowton Gill design?

Among his most famous and enduring typeface designs are Gill Sans, a widely used humanist sans-serif, and Perpetua, a beautiful serif typeface. He also designed Solus.

Where can I see Arthur Eric Rowton Gill's work?

His work can be found in numerous public spaces and art collections worldwide. Notable examples include architectural sculptures on the BBC Broadcasting House in London and the former London Transport headquarters (55 Broadway), war memorials in England and Wales, and his work in the League of Nations building in Geneva. His designs, particularly Gill Sans, are ubiquitous in printed materials and digital media.