Life and work of a top artist

May 16 2008 by Chester Guest Reporter 1, Chester Chronicle

THE life and work of one of Chester’s greatest artists is to be shown in Liverpool.

The UK Randolph Caldecott Society based in Chester will present their exhibition entitled Liverpool Departure in the Capital of Culture which will celebrate the artist in collaboration with the Academy of Arts.

The exhibition commemorates Caldecott voyage to New York on board SS Aurania in October 1885 – a trip from which he never returned, dying in Florida within four months. It includes original works in pen and ink, watercolour and bronze as well as copies of illustrated books and memorabilia.

Randolph Caldecott was born in 1846 in Chester and was arguably the most talented illustrator of the 19th century. A memorial in his honour is in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Liverpool Departure will open at the Academy of Arts in Liverpool from May 7-23 from noon to 4pm but will be closed weekends. Admission is free.