Charles Keeping was born in Lambeth, South London. This childhood background of markets and docks influenced much of his work. At fourteen he became an apprentice in the printing trade before working as an engineer. Later he served in the Royal Navy. On leaving the Navy he changed careers yet again and worked for a while as a rent collector before starting on a three year course at the Regent Street Polytechnic studying drawing, etching, and lithography. (He later took up a teaching position here).
At his death in 1988 he was one of the most revered and respected illustrators of the last twenty years. 'Technically in a class of his own, he brought insights into his subject matter that were unique because of the man he was.' (Books For Keeps).
Charles Keeping's style was bold, yet sensitive - often disturbing - and highly individual. As Brian Alderson wrote of him in the article in The Times: '...he has brought into his pictures a style of draughtsmanship and use of colour for which there are few precedents.'
Charles Keeping had his work exhibited all over the world and throughout his career illustrated over 100 books. He received many awards, including the 1967 Kate Greenaway Medal for his picture book Charley, Charlotte and the Golden Canary, and the 1981 Kate Greenaway Medal for The Highwayman.
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BeowulfOne of the most powerful stories of all time. Author Kevin Crossley-Holland and Illustrator Charles Keeping 978-0-19-279444-4 Paperback | 05/09/2013 Price: £9.99 |
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The HighwaymanWords and pictures to take your breath away Author Alfred Noyes and Illustrator Charles Keeping 978-0-19-279442-0 Paperback | 05/09/2013 Price: £9.99 |
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The Lady Of ShalottLines you'll remember, pictures you'll never forget. Author Alfred Lord Tennyson and Illustrator Charles Keeping 978-0-19-279443-7 Paperback | 05/09/2013 Price: £9.99 |
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The Silver BranchIntrigue, plotting, and battles in the second of Rosemary Sutcliff's best-selling trilogy which began with The Eagle of the Ninth Rosemary Sutcliff 978-0-19-275505-6 Paperback | 01/02/2007 Price: £8.99 Also available as an ebook |
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The Lantern BearersA tireless quest for revenge in this Carnegie Medal-winning book - the final part in Rosemary Sutcliff's outstanding The Eagle of the Ninth trilogy Rosemary Sutcliff 978-0-19-275506-3 Paperback | 01/02/2007 Price: £8.99 Also available as an ebook |
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