If you’ve ever been on the London underground, you may have noticed the striking murals at Charing Cross station. Designed by the UK artist David Gentleman in the 1970s, the murals tell the story of how Charing Cross got its name. Commuters passing through the station are immersed in the world of 14th century labourers working diligently to erect the original Eleanor Cross near Westminster Abbey.
It’s a commission that Gentleman fondly reflects on in his recently released book, Lessons for Young Artists. Over his decades-long career, the multi-faceted creative has designed everything from postal stamps to book covers, embracing diverse mediums to honour the past and capture the present.
Beautifully designed, the book intersperses examples of Gentleman’s art and design work with his personal experiences and musings on art and life. Each short chapter is titled with Gentleman’s intended lesson. The first three chapters alone contain enough to get going: “start small”, “don’t wait for inspiration to strike” and “step outside”.
It may just give you the nudge to get creative again, or at least encourage you to live a little better.
David Gentleman - Lessons for Young Artists