Beresford Egan
~ 1905 - 1984
Beresford Egan was a satirical draughtsman, painter, novelist, actor, costume designer and playwright.
He was born in London but grew up in South Africa following a family move when he was five years old. He returned to London in July 1926 after spending two years as a precocious sports cartoonist on the Rand Daily Mail in Johannesburg.
He quickly established himself in the artistic and literary atmosphere of London. He not only illustrated the works of other writers, but also his own novels. He wrote three plays, composed songs and undertook theatre criticism and caricatures. He acted in British movies including "Latin Quarter" and appeared in the dying days of British music hall as The Great Daleno. His art was highly influenced by Aubrey Beardsley and many of his illustrations were in an erotic vein.
Egan is remembered as one of the few original British exponents of Art Deco. He was one of the most famous people of London's bohemian scene for nearly five decades.
He died in London in 1984.
Illustrated books presented on this site:
- Cyprian Masques (1929)
- De Sade (1929)
- The Adventures of King Pausole (1929)
- Flowers of Evil (1947)
5 albums/51 artworks
Latest Update: January 7, 2025 -> Created new page for this artist (51 artworks)
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