William Heath Robinson
British illustrator (1872–1944) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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William Heath Robinson (31 May 1872 – 13 September 1944) was an English cartoonist, illustrator and artist. He is famous for drawing imaginary complicated machines for simple functions.[1]
In the United Kingdom, a complicated machine which does simple things is called a "Heath Robinson contraption".[2]
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Life
William Heath Robinson was born in Hornsey Rise, London on 31 May 1872.[3] His family were artists. His father and brothers worked as illustrators.[4]
At first, he wanted to be a painter. However, he was not successful.[2] He started illustrating books. He made pictures and drawings for books. He illustrated books like Hans Christian Andersen's Danish Fairy Tales and Legends and The Arabian Nights. He published a book for children called The Adventures of Uncle Lubin in 1902. The book showed his imagination and sense of humor.[4]
He was asked to make illustrations for The Works of Mr Francis Rabelais. He made 254 black and white illustrations. The publisher went bankrupt in 1904. Robinson did not make a lot of money from the book.[5] He had to make money. He started making cartoons and illustrations for magazines.[4]
During the First World War, Robinson made satirical cartoons. He also drew impossible machines and weapons. These cartoons were enjoyed by the soldiers.[2] After the war, he made more cartoons and advertisements. From 1919 to 1928, The Bystander published more than 400 of Robinson's cartoons. In 1935, he made Railway Ribaldry for the Great Western Railway.[4]
Robinson died on September 13, 1944 because of a stroke. He is buried in the East Finchley Cemetery.[4]
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Personal life
In 1899, he became engaged to Josephine Constance Latey. The couple were married on April 30, 1903.[4] His house in Moss Lane is marked by a blue plaque.[6]
References
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