Brooding Ringed Plover

Robert Gillmor (1936-2022) MBE, SWLA | Original Linocut 30 of 65 | 3 x 8 inches

Robert was one of the best-known wildlife artists working in the UK.

He was born in Reading in 1936 and attended Leighton Park School, Reading and the School of Fine Art at Reading University. His illustrations first appeared in the monthly magazine British Birds when he was just sixteen.

While he was still at university, Robert illustrated the first of over 230 books, A Study of Blackbirds by David Snow. He returned to Leighton Park to run the art and craft department for six years. In 1965 Robert embarked on a full-time career as a freelance wildlife artist and was in constant demand throughout his life – a remarkable achievement for any artist.

From preparing the original Avocet drawings for the RSPB logo, designing the British Birdfair posters since 1983 to the Royal Mail commission for 42 stamps – Robert joined the ranks of Britain’s most popular wildlife artists. After helping to found the Society of Wildlife Artists in the early 1960s, Robert served as its Secretary and Chairman for many years. He was elected President in 1984 and served for ten years. As well as working to promote current work, Robert did much to promote work of past artists, including Charles Tunnicliffe, (editing three books) and his grandfather, Professor Allen W. Seaby (1867−1953), who instilled in him a love of printmaking.