Joscelyne reading

Gaskin was an integral part of 'The Birmingham School' along with fellow artists such as Charles Gere, Henry Payne, Joseph Southall (see lot 191) and Sydney Meteyard. Supported by his wife Georgie Gaskin he worked as an artist and illustrator as well as a metalworker and jewellery designer. Their contribution to the Arts and Crafts Movement is reflected in the 1982 exhibition at Birmingham City Museum and Art Gallery. Although portraits of friends helped swell Gaskin's income, the pictures that he made of his family were mainly done for pleasure. The eldest of the Gaskin's two daughters was Jocelyne, born 29 May 1903, depicted in the present drawing.