Date of Birth: February 22, 1882
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: November 17, 1940
Biography
Arthur Eric Rowton Gill, better known as Eric Gill, was an English sculptor, typeface designer, stonecutter, and printmaker who made significant contributions to the fields of visual art and typography. Born on February 22, 1882, in Brighton, England, Gill started his career as an apprentice to a local architect. Dissatisfied with this path, he took evening classes in stonemasonry and calligraphy, which led him to the world of sculpture and type design. Gill’s work is characterized by a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modernist sensibilities. He designed several well-known typefaces, including Gill Sans and Perpetua, which have had a lasting impact on graphic design. His sculptures, often featuring religious and erotic themes, are scattered across various public buildings and galleries in the UK. A devout Catholic convert, Gill’s religious beliefs heavily influenced his work, though his personal life was marked by controversy. His diaries, published posthumously, revealed disturbing aspects of his private life, including incestuous relationships, which have complicated his legacy. Gill passed away on November 17, 1940, in Uxbridge, England. Despite the controversies, his contributions to art and typography remain influential to this day.
5 Interesting Facts about Eric Gill
1. Eric Gill designed the iconic Gill Sans typeface, which is still widely used today.
2. He was a founding member of the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic, a Roman Catholic community of artists and craftsmen.
3. Gill converted to Catholicism in 1913, and his faith greatly influenced his work.
4. His sculpture “Prospero and Ariel” adorns the facade of the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London.
5. Despite his artistic achievements, Gill’s personal life was marred by scandal, as revealed in his published diaries.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eric Gill
1. “The artist is not a different kind of person, but every person is a different kind of artist.”
2. “Without philosophy, man cannot know what he makes; without religion, he cannot know why.”
3. “Art is skill, that is the first meaning of the word.”
4. “The only way to be sure of catching a train is to miss the one before it.”
5. “The things we make, make us.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Eric Gill’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his works have been highly valued, with some pieces fetching significant sums at auctions.
Children
Eric Gill had three daughters: Betty, Petra, and Joanna, and a son named Gordian.
Relevant Links
1. [Eric Gill – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Gill
2. [Eric Gill – Art UK](https://artuk.org/discover/artists/gill-eric-18821940
4. [Eric Gill – Font Designer](https://www.fonts.com/font/monotype/eric-gill/story
