GIBBINGS, Robert

Robert Gibbings (1889-1958) was a highly significant wood engraver, sculptor, writer and teacher. Born in Cork, Ireland, he was educated at the university there, then at the Slade School of Fine Art and at the Central School of Arts and Crafts where he joined Noel Rooke’s design class. Commissioned in Munster Fusiliers in World War I, but was wounded by a bullet through the neck while serving in the Dardanelles and was invalided out. While abroad developed engraving style based on strong light and shade found in buildings in snow or bright sunlight, pattern counting more than the subject. It is the work from this period (1918-1920) which established Gibbing’s reputation. After the war founded SWE. When the Golden Cockerel Press, for which he was working, was threatened with closure, he took it over. During 1924–33 Gibbings’ press published 72 books.