George Bissill 1896 -1973

George Bissill was born in Fairford, Gloucestershire. Spent his early life at Langley Mill near Nottingham where his father was a miner and where it was taken for granted that George, too, would follow his father. Sometime between the ages 11 and 13 Bissill began his experience of working underground. When the First War began he was glad to join the Army and to escape from the mines. Transferred to the Sappers he worked with them throughout the war, utilising his mining expertise. Having been gassed, medical advice prompted him to stop working as a coalminer. He began studying art at Nottingham School of Art in 1920-21. In 1922 Bissill arrived in London and worked as a pavement artist outside Bush House. Miss Berry of the Art League of Service prompted him to produce a portfolio of set of drawings of miners at work. Held his first solo show of drawings in Redfern Gallery in 1925, with further exhibitions in 1926 and 1927. Was commissioned for posters from the London & North Eastern Railway, the Post Office and Shell. Also exhibited in RA, NEAC, London Group, Maltzahn Gallery, Abbott and Holder and other major art galleries. His work is represented in many public collections such as Tate Gallery, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Hampshire County Council, Cheltenham Art Gallery, Herbert Art Gallery, Mansfield District Council, Erewash Museum, Derbyshire Art Museum, National Coal Mining Museum and others (see Art UK).