Who was the artist Adrian Hill?

Meet Adrian Hill: A Pioneering Artist

Born in 1895, Adrian Keith Graham Hill was a trailblazing artist who became one of the first TV personalities to grace BBC television. His show, Sketch Club, captivated audiences during the 1950s and early 1960s, inspiring countless aspiring artists to pick up their pencils and sketchpads.

Adrian Hill’s War Sketches: A Legacy of Realism

Commissioned by the Imperial War Museum (https://www.iwm.org.uk/), Adrian Hill documented scenes from the Western Front with remarkable precision. His sketches captured the raw emotion and reality of wartime, earning him recognition for their accuracy and depth. These works remain a testament to his ability to convey powerful narratives through art.

The Artist Adrian Hill

Born in 1895, Adrian Keith Graham Hill was one of the first TV artists to appear on BBC TV. His programme called "Sketch Club" was seen during the 50's and early 60's.

Commissioned by the Imperial War Museum to record scenes from the front, his sketches were incredibly accurate and true to life. I came across his books when learning my art and his book, 'What Shall We Draw' published in 1957 (the year I was born),, sits alongside many of his early books in my library. 'Further Steps in Drawing and Sketching' introduced me to some of the very basic principles of object drawing, choosing a scene and composition.

Influential Books by Adrian Hill

While learning the craft of drawing, I discovered Adrian Hill’s books, which became foundational to my artistic journey. His book, What Shall We Draw (published in 1957, coincidentally the year I was born), sits proudly in my library alongside other classics like Further Steps in Drawing and Sketching. These books teach essential principles of object drawing, scene selection, and composition, making them must-reads for beginners and seasoned artists alike.

The Three Wise Men: A Timeless Sketch

One of my favorite discoveries is a sketch from Adrian Hill’s Figure Drawing chapter, which I affectionately call The Three Wise Men. This piece exemplifies what a great sketch should be: emotive, thought-provoking, and informative. Reflecting on Hill’s wartime sketches, you can see how his experiences on the Western Front shaped his refined technique. It has always been one of my favourite chapters and the sketch which starts the chapter I've always called 'The Three Wise Men'. It epitomises what a good sketch should be; emotive, thought provoking and most of all, informative.

Reflecting on Adrian's work from The Western Front I can see how he has honed his skill during those days.

So, on a whim, I thought could I bring the sketch up to date, develop it for charcoal.

The Three Wise Men a homage to Adrian Hill

A Modern Homage to Adrian Hill

Inspired by Hill’s work, this charcoal rendition of The Three Wise Men as a tribute to the artist, who passed away in 1977. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which I highly recommend to any aspiring artist. My copy of Further Steps in Drawing and Sketching, purchased for just £0.50 at a local bookstore, provided me with the fundamentals that transformed my approach to drawing.

Sadly, Blandford Press, which published many of Hill’s early books, dissolved in 2022. However, you can still find his works in secondhand bookstores or online marketplaces like AbeBooks (https://www.abebooks.com).

The Three Wise Men Framed. Based on a sketch by Adrian Hill

Explore More Art Content

•  Top 10 Drawing Tips for Beginners (https://www.art-marco.co.uk/post/top-drawing-tips)

•  The History of War Art: From Sketches to Masterpieces (https://www.art-marco.co.uk/post/war-art-history)

Follow Art-Marco (https://www.art-marco.co.uk/about) for more insights into art history and techniques, and share your thoughts on Adrian Hill in the comments below!

Marco