Gilbey’s Horoscope (Scorpio) - Gilbey’s (1954)
Year: 1954
Format: Beermat
Illustrator: Edward Bawden (1903-1989)
Client: Gilbey’s
Details: This 1954 beermat was one of a set of twelve horoscope-themed designs produced by Gilbey’s Gin. The linocut illustrations were created by Edward Bawden (1903-1989).
Edward Bawden was born in Braintree, Essex. He attended Cambridge School of Art from 1919 to 1921, followed by a scholarship to the Royal College of Art School of Design where he studied Illustration.
Bawden created prints and posters but was particularly well-known for his book illustrations. Bawden worked for the Curwen Press, illustrating for companies such as London Transport, Westminster Bank, Twinings, BP, the Folio Society, and Penguin Books. He also worked with the Stuart Advertising Agency, producing artwork for Fortnum & Mason and Imperial Airways.
Bawden served as a war artist in World War II. After returning in 1945, he continued illustrating for books and advertising. He also created numerous murals, including one commissioned for the Festival of Britain.
Bawden lived in Great Bardfield, Essex from the 1930s to 1970. He was a member of the Great Bardfield Artists, a group of local artists united by a love of figurative art.
Bawden went on to teach at the Royal College of Art, Royal Academy Schools and the City of Leicester Polytechnic.