Charles Ricketts Paintings

Charles de Sousy Ricketts was a versatile British artist, known for his painting, book design, and sculpture, among other artistic endeavors. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 2, 1866, he was raised in France and England. Ricketts developed an interest in art early in his life and pursued his education at the City and Guilds of London Art School.

In the late 1880s, Ricketts met Charles Shannon, an artist who would become his lifelong partner. Together, they founded the Vale Press, which was named after their house, The Vale, in Chelsea, London. The Vale Press was instrumental in the revival of fine book design and production at the turn of the century. Ricketts was deeply involved in the design of books, creating typefaces, ornamental borders, and illustrations, and he was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement led by William Morris.

Aside from his work in book design, Ricketts also made significant contributions to theatre design and was involved in numerous productions. His work extended to painting, with his style often described as symbolist, reflecting the wider European movement that emphasized mysticism and inner emotions.

Ricketts was also a collector and connoisseur of art, amassing a significant collection of drawings and paintings, which he bequeathed to the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge upon his death. His legacy includes not only his diverse body of work but also his influence on the aesthetic of the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods.

Charles Ricketts died on October 7, 1931, in London. His work and partnership with Charles Shannon have been the subject of various exhibitions and retrospectives, highlighting their contributions to the art and design world of their time.