Robert Sargent Austin (1895–1973) printmaker and draughtsman, was born in Leicester. He studied at the School of Art there and at Royal College of Art, 1914–16 and 1919–22, winning the Rome Scholarship for engraving in the latter year. Austin married Ada (May) Harrison, with whom he collaborated on Some Tuscan Cities, 1924, Some Umbrian Cities, 1925, and other books. He taught engraving at Royal College of Art, 1927–44, becoming professor in the department of graphic design, 1948–55. Showed with RWS of which he was a member and president; RE of which he was a member and president; and RA, to which he was elected in 1949. Austin was a meticulous craftsman-engraver and a vigorous draughtsman, as his series of drawings of Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and ballooning activities done during World War II shows.