Cecil Walter Bacon MSIA | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1905-08-24)24 August 1905 Battle, Sussex, England |
| Died | 12 August 1992(1992-08-12) (aged 86) |
| Other names | CWB |
| Education | |
| Alma mater | Hastings School of Art |
| Occupation | Artist |
| Known for | Poster design |
Cecil Walter Bacon, MSIA (24 August 1905 – 12 August 1992), who signed his work "CWB", was a British artist and illustrator.[1] Much of his work was in theart deco style.
Bacon was born inBattle, Sussex, England, where his father was a businessman who ran atannery.[1] He was educated atSutton Valence School,St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, andHastings School of Art, being at the latter from 1923 to 1925, when he was taught byPhilip Cole.[1] In 1926, he began working for an advertising agency on London, before turning freelance in 1929.[1] Between 1932 and 1935 he designed a number of posters forLondon Transport.[2]
DuringWorld War II, he served in theRoyal Air Force as aLeading Aircraftsman, before, in 1942, being assigned to work producing propaganda artwork for theMinistry of Information.[1][2]
He worked regularly for theRadio Times and in 1943, during the war, he drew an illustration for the Christmas edition, depicting a soldier holding a sprig ofholly.[3]
After the war, he produced designs for, among others,British Railways[2] and thePost Office Savings Bank.[1] He was adept atscraperboard work, and in 1951 wrote a book on the topic.[2] He also illustrated a number of books, and designed book jackets, including those for first editions of early works byRaymond Chandler.
Bacon married Irene Proctor in 1929; they had two sons.[1] He died on 12 August 1992.[1] A number of his posters are in the collection of theLondon Transport Museum.[2] A retrospective exhibition,Designer's Progress, took place in 1984 atHastings Museum and Art Gallery.[1]
