Eric Fraser

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Eric George Fraser (June 11, 1902 – Nov 15, 1983) was one of the foremost British illustrators and graphic artists of his time, famous in the public mind for his regular contributions to the Radio Times, and as the creator in 1931 of 'Mr Therm' in adverts for the Gas, Light and Coke Company.

He illustrated classic scenes from mythology, such as Beowulf fighting the dragon. With pen and ink, he illustrated classic medieval scenes and several of the works of Shakespeare. He also illustrated J. R. R. Tolkien's books, such as the Folio Society edition of The Lord of the Rings in 1977.

Born in Vincent Street, London on June 11, 1902, he married Irene Grace Lovett on April 4, 1925, at the Parish Church of St John, Smith Square. He moved to Penn's Place, Hampton in 1935, where he lived until his death on Nov 15, 1983, working continuously in a studio at the end of the garden until just a week before his death.

Fraser's life as an artist is recorded in two publications, each of which includes extensive examples of his work:

Eric Fraser, Designer and Illustrator by Sylvia Backemeyer, with an essay by Wendy Coates-Smith, Lund Humphries Publishers 1998 (ISBN 0-85331-753-4)

The Graphic Works of Eric Fraser by Alec Davis, The Uffculme Press, 1985 (2nd edition)


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