Edward Gosling of Manchester, England, overcame the misfortune of losing both his arms when he was a boy.
At the age of 15, he produced this Christmas card design, holding the pen with his feet.
According to an article in a 1936, "Losing his arms in an accident, he taught himself to paint, holding the brushes between his toes, and has just had an animal study in oils accepted for exhibition at the Burlington Galleries, London."
He went on to have distinguished career, with paintings accepted by the Royal Academy. this one is called "A Welcome Rest". It appeared in a June, 1936 issue of The Artist's Magazine.
Thanks, James!
Cool! I’m currently dealing with health problems myself and been trying to learn more about artists with disabilities.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this useful information about Edward Gosling. I have a small water colour painting by him.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this useful information. I have a small water colour painting by Edward Gosling.
ReplyDeleteI was interested to see this item as ‘Eddie’ Gosling lived for a while in my village of Heacham in Norfolk. He was in fact born with no arms and was sent to a special school in Manchester where he learnt to be very dexterous in the use of his feet. He went on to study art in Manchester. In the late 1920s/very early 30s he ‘performed’ in music halls/variety shows as ‘Egoes’ and played musical instruments and did lightning sketches. He then worked for the Manchester school. It seems he married shortly before his death in 1945. If Joan (above) or anyone else has any of his work and was willing to share a photo it would be most welcome in the village ‘archives’
ReplyDeleteI have had in my possession an oil painting of the Hackney Stallion Leopard 9873, since 1972, it is signed E. Gosling, i have learned that Mr. H.. Callaby purchased him in 1910 and in 1918 Callaby moved back to Heacham as he bought Calley Farm, so it was probably painted around the 1918 to 1920 at Heacham. Any information appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThe horse was originally bred by William Burdett Coutts at the Brookfield Stud, Highgate London, and sold first to Mr, Tubbs who won many prizes with him at Olympia, he also held speed records on the road and was sold to Mr, Callaby in 2010