Gibbings, Robert

Robert Gibbings was a prodigious wood-engraver with a striking style. He was also largely responsible for bringing the art of wood-engraving to the attention of the general public. An adventurous character, Gibbings became a best-selling author in Britain and America with books which he wrote, illustrated and designed. Gibbings founded the Society of Wood Engravers in 1919, as well as taking over the Golden Cockerel Press at Waltham St. Lawrence, Berkshire from 1924 to 1933. In 1936, he became Senior Lecturer in Typography at the University of Reading.

In addition to around 300 books, written and/or illustrated by, or about, Robert Gibbings, the main Gibbings Collection at the University of Reading comprises a wide range of Gibbings’ manuscripts, letters, photographs, wood-engravings, blocks, and paintings.

Want to know more about Gibbings? Click here for more information about the main Gibbings Collection.