Robert Westall Paintings

Robert Westall was not a visual artist, but rather a British author known predominantly for his children's literature. Born on October 7, 1929, in North Shields, Northumberland, England, Westall was raised in a working-class family during the Great Depression and World War II, experiences that would heavily influence his writing throughout his career.

Westall was educated at the Durham University after his service in the Royal Air Force, where he gained a degree in Fine Art. He worked as an art teacher for many years, which gave him a rich perspective on youth and the educational system, elements that are often reflected in his work. His career as a writer, however, took off after he published his first novel, 'The Machine Gunners,' in 1975. The story, which draws on his own wartime childhood experiences, was immensely successful and won the Carnegie Medal, recognizing it as an outstanding piece of literature for children.

Westall’s writing often dealt with complex issues such as death, the supernatural, and war, and while his primary audience was children and young adults, he didn't shy away from presenting the harsh realities of life. His stories were praised for their emotional depth and realism, as well as their ability to engage with both younger and older readers. His other notable works include 'The Scarecrows' (winning him a second Carnegie Medal), 'Blitzcat', and 'The Kingdom by the Sea'. Beyond his children's books, Westall also wrote for adults and published several collections of ghost stories.

Throughout his career, Robert Westall’s contributions to literature were recognized with various awards and honors, not only for the quality of his storytelling but also for the sensitivity and insight he brought to difficult subjects. He passed away on April 15, 1993, leaving behind a legacy as one of the 20th century's most distinguished writers of children's literature. His works continue to be read and appreciated for their narrative craftsmanship and the humanity woven into their stories.