Video from pete beard
The Fantasy Illustrations of Charles Folkhard - Pete Beard
"The name Charles Folkard isn't one that readily springs to mind in the context of British fairytale and fantasy illustrators. And yet in his lifetime, he was considered to be one of the finest exponents of the line and wash technique so popular in the illustrated books of the early 20th century. So here is an outline of his career and work which I hope will redress the undoubted imbalance, and bring him at least a few more admirers." from the video introduction
"Charles James Folkard was a British book illustrator and comic artist. He is best remembered as the creator of 'Teddy Tail' (1915-1926), one of the earliest and longest-running British newspaper comics, appearing in The Daily Mail. 'Teddy Tail' holds further historical significance as one of the earliest British "funny animal" comics, along with Julius Stafford Baker's 'Tiger Tim and the Bruin Boys' (1904-1985). It was also one of the first British comics to feature speech balloons.
Early life and career
Charles Folkard was born in 1878 in Lewisham, London, as the son of a merchant's clerk. His older brother was cartoonist Harry Folkard. Charles attended St. John's Wood School of Art, and for a short time took evening classes at Goldsmith's College School of Art, but otherwise was mostly self-taught as an artist. Prior to his graphic career, he worked as a magician and conjuror, performing under the name Professor Volkart at charity shows, children's parties, and concerts. While designing his own programs, Folkard realized that his greater talent was in drawing and the "old boys" magazine of his former school, the Colfe's School in Lewisham. Among the main inspirations for his art were the illustrators Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac..." from the article: Charles James Folkard
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