GILL, Eric. ~ This is Saint Christopher.
An original pencil drawing with watercolour depicting St. Christopher carrying the Christ Child. Inscribed by the artist in pencil “DEAR GORDIAN THIS IS SAINT CHRISTOPHER from daddy 2.9.’21.” with a symbol of St Dominic at the top of the image. Image size 6.5 cms x 11 cms, mounted and framed in an early frame.
On the back of the frame is a label from The Piccadilly Gallery in 1985 stating it was sold to Barnabus McHenry that year.
A really enchanting image which Gill made for his adopted son Gordian. Eric and Mary only had daughters and after the birth of their youngest daughter Joanna in 1910, it became clear she was unable to bear any more children. In 1917 they decided to adopt one from the infants’ home in Haywards Heath. Eventually they were allowed to take the 8 month old Gordian home to foster. Although he was never legally adopted he was brought up as their son. This drawing would have been done for Gordian when he was 4 years old.