Charles De Sousy Ricketts Paintings

Charles de Sousy Ricketts was an English artist, illustrator, author, and typographer, known for his significant contributions to book design and the art world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on October 2, 1866, in Geneva, Switzerland, to a French mother and an English father, he spent his early life in France and Italy before the family settled in England.

Ricketts developed an early interest in art and was influenced by the Aesthetic Movement and the work of the Pre-Raphaelites. He studied at the City and Guilds of London Art School, where he met his lifelong partner and collaborator, Charles Shannon. Together, they became central figures in the British art world, with Ricketts being particularly interested in the arts of the book – illustration, typography, and book design.

In the 1890s, Ricketts and Shannon established the Vale Press, named after their house, The Vale, in Chelsea, London. The press was known for producing books of exceptional quality and beauty, drawing on the aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Ricketts designed typefaces, borders, and illustrations, creating books that were works of art in their own right. The press operated until 1904, and during its existence, it produced more than 70 books, including notable editions of William Shakespeare and the Renaissance poet Algernon Charles Swinburne.

Beyond his work in book arts, Ricketts was also a talented painter and sculptor. He was involved with the founding of the Vale Gallery, which operated from 1898 to 1904 and showcased works by contemporary artists. Ricketts’ own artistic work covered a variety of mediums and styles, and he was especially adept at costume and set design for the theater. He worked with notable figures of the time, including the actress Ellen Terry and the directors of the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith.

Ricketts was also an art collector and critic, and he published several works on art theory and history. His collection of art and objects, which included pieces from various cultures and eras, reflected his broad aesthetic tastes and deep knowledge of art history. Later in life, he was offered the directorship of the National Gallery in London but declined the position.

Charles de Sousy Ricketts passed away on October 7, 1931. His legacy as a multifaceted artist and influence on the visual arts remains significant, and his work in elevating book design to an art form continues to be celebrated.