Eric Gill (English, 1882-1940)

Available Works

Eric Gill was a master wood engraver and woodcut printer. Known partially as a famous type-face designer (think "Gill Sans"), Gill produced an enormous body of engraved work, including illustration designs for over 100 books. An interesting character, Gill’s ideas of spirituality and flesh provided significant inspiration for many of his designs. A convert to Catholicism, and the head of a deeply religious commune of artists, religious subjects are prevalent in Gill’s works. Equally present however, are designs of graphic, erotic scenes which stemmed from his bizarre view of sexual morality. Working exclusively with the contrast of light and dark to create his designs, Gill’s prodigious energy and creativity are aptly presented through the selection of 100 designs chosen to illustrate the book Engravings by Eric Gill. Engravings was published by Douglas Cleverdon in Bristol, England, 1929 and includes representative work by Gill done through 1927.

Related Artists: Aristide Maillol