Baumer, Lewis (1870 - 1963)

Lewis Baumer original cartoon artwork

 

Baumer was educated at University College School, Gower Street. Encouraged by his parents to become an artist, he studied first (in 1887) under A A Calderon at St John’s Wood School of Art, alongside Byam Shaw and Rex Vicat Cole. He then went on to the National Art Training School, South Kensington, and the Royal Academy Schools. He exhibited widely from 1892, but soon became better known as a black and white artist and illustrator, contributing illustrations to The Pall Mall Magazine(1893) and other magazines. In 1897, Baumer established himself as an illustrator of children’s books, publishing both Jumblies to his own text, and Hoodie, his first collaboration with Mrs Molesworth. In the same year, he published a cartoon in Punch, and would become a regular contributor over five decades. As a painter, pastellist and printmaker, Baumer became a member of the Pastel Society (by 1908) and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (1921). He also belonged to the Langham Sketching Club, the Arts Club and the Chelsea Arts Club.