frederick gordon crosbyfrederick gordon crosby

An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A large MG bronze, formerly displayed at the MG Works, Abingdon. In the 1930's there were few automotive artists in England more famous than Frederick Gordon-Crosby. Photos by Ian Cooling - Please do not duplicate without permission. Gordon-Crosby, working at one of the greatest periods in the history of the car, did an enormous amount to glamorize motoring and motorsport of his time. Guest T54 Bentley also credited him with the design of the first 3 Litre body, and a drawing made well before the first Bentley took to the road clearly presages the radiator shape and style. All Rights Reserved. Auction Closed. Early life [ edit] Unfortunately, most of these are now missing. These he reproduced in his own unique style, shot through with exaggerated excitement and atmosphere. FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY French Grand Prix 1907 - A fine and large original painting, depicting the legendary event won by Ferenc Szisz driving the Renault passing a Lorraine-Dietrich on his way to victory; pastel and watercolour with white highlights, signed by the artist, undated. Version 1 was designed to fit on a radiator cap and therefore ended around 1951 when the Mark V the last Jaguar to have an external radiator cap went out of production. Shockingly one of these submissions from 1921 a landscape depicting Mullion Cove in Cornwall, was listed recently on eBay at $58,000! Ian is a well-known dealer in the Jaguar collectibles market and author of the book Jaguar Collectibles. While not fond of travelling abroad, he would travel wherever his work took him. FOLLOW. Just a few long lives can bring previous generations accomplishments into our consciousness, with the Rolls-Royce engineers Ernest Hives (1886-1965) and Arthur Robotham (1899-1980), for instance, having children who are active in the 21st century. Crosby was regularly commissioned to produce works that would be sold or auctioned to raise money for charities such as: Barnardos 1933-1934 French alps scene and; RAF benevolent fund, Aeroplane Diving - commissioned by King George VI. Illustrator View items sold at auction Frederick Gordon Crosby at Auction Now View All Frederick Gordon Crosby for Sale at Auction Now F. Gordon Crosby (1885-1943), A mountainous rally, mixed media, mostly pastel and charcoal, signed, Register to Bid Looking for the value of an item? Most often, 90 times, a lot by the artist Frederick Gordon Crosby was sold in an auction house in United Kingdom. FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY (1885-1943) JAGUAR DISPLAY MODEL, DESIGNED 1938 nickel-plated cast metal 27 in. British, 1891 - 1941, Malcolm Drummond Frederick Gordon Crosby (British, 1885-1943): "Full chat at Brooklands", FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Brooklands Miracles 1920. By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and ResearcherImages from the worldwide webPublished 11.21.2018, Frederick Gordon Crosby in his art studio. View upcoming auction estimates and receive personalized email alerts for the artists you follow. It was at Autocar, and at Claytons house, that Crosby met and maintained a lifelong friendship with Sammy Davis and Monty Tombs. Other information has also kindly been provided by the Gordon-Crosby family. Sale Date: May 2, 1991. De Grineau retired prematurely, and his successor on the Temple Press magazines The Motor and Light Car, Patrick Nevin (1912-95), spoke of the courteous treatment he received from Gordon-Crosby, who arranged for the young artists work to be displayed alongside his own at a Belfast department store before the Tourist Trophy racing there. Some of his most vibrant works being produced at the Targa Florio in Sicily, where he and W.F. Frederick Gordon Crosby's work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from 80 USD to 25,622 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork. Garner, Peter. His origins are obscure, but he was born in Sunderland in 1885, joined Daimler as a junior draughtsman, and followed Davis to join The Autocar when it transferred to London; Tombs elected to stay where manufacturing was concentrated, to become their Midland Correspondent. Crosby also created the Jaguar car 'leaping cat' mascot. During the Second World War, Crosby produced some of his best works, especially the 'Roads of War' series, and his pictures of war at sea and in the air. This was to be one of the first drawings of a style that was later to be termed an exploded view, and begun Crosbys Autocar career. Initially car magazine editors preferred illustrations to photographs. I cherish these, that are framed and are hanging on the few spaces left free from my wife's beautiful paintings. The artist died in 1943.Artist's alternative names: F. Gordon Crosby, John Anthony Park For example, he was commissioned to produce several paintings of the Targa Florio race track in Sicily, highlighting full-color caricatures of the foremost racers of the day with their popular race cars. Copyright 2023 Automobilia Resource LLC. Crosby was not know to show much emotion, but there were two notable exceptions in his life. There are nearly 300 of these originals that are still held in Autocars strong room. Frederick Gordon Crosby was a British Impressionist & Modern artist who was born in 1885. The lots with the highest resulting prices by Frederick Gordon Crosby in . Overall, 141 lots by Frederick Gordon Crosby are in our price database - 97 with result prices. He produced thousands of drawings, caricatures, cartoons and paintings for the magazine, as well as private commissions and secondment to The Royal Flying Corps during the Great War, for whom he completed technical drawings of crashed German aircrafts. Frederick Gordon Crosby (1885 August 1943)[1] was an English automotive illustrator. Like many of his illustrator contemporaries, Gordon Crosby had a desire to be recognized as well in the world of fine art. Click the FOLLOW button to be the first to know about this artist's upcoming lots, sold lots, exhibitions and articles . He was an illustrator with such outstanding creative and artistic ability that he was able to raise his historic records into works of art. Other works by Gordon Crosby include images of car factories where working conditions were far from ideal. British, 1874 - 1955, Elizabeth Chalmers It's easy! LotSearch Access Prices You can also check which objects in upcoming auctions will be sold. It was described by William Lyons as looking like a cat shot off a fence. It is the Desmo jaguar, one in a series of animal mascots created by Desmo in the 1920s and 30s. Brunnenwiesen 34D Whitsun Meeting 1913. Auction Closed. Most lots, 80 pieces, came up for auction at Bonhams London. He is well known for his coverage of many of the great car races of the day, including Le Mans (see 24 hours of Le Mans), and the Monte Carlo Rally and Alpine Rally. His illustrations and paintings reflect the excitement and glamour that surrounded the birth and early development of the automotive industry . This was to be one of the first drawings of a style that was later to be termed an exploded view, and begun Crosby's Autocar career. Unfortunately, most of these are now missing. A fine and rare MG Magic Midget bronze, February 1932. By 1970 these cars were out of production, along with their mascots. He worked for the magazine Autocar for most of his life. Your comment will be posted after it is approved. +49 (0)711 - 336 12 68 Crosby, as illustrator, and Tombs and sometimes Davis, as writer, were responsible for producing one of Autocars humorous stalwarts: "Keeping up appearances". The war cut short that dream when he pronounced dead when his plane (a P-51 Mustang) went down over the English Channel. Home Artists Frederick Gordon Crosby Price results Looking for more from this artist? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. RFL Online Services GmbH As one of the few published sources of information about his life, this article borrows heavily from Peter Garnier's book The Art of Gordon Crosby. The characters created in Keeping up Appearances made it an instant hit the first time it was published, and it was produced for years afterwards. The one on the left shows Version 2, which has already taken off and is in mid-air with its legs stretched out behind. The leaping cat was originally produced for his friend Cecil Kimber (1888-1945), the designer of MG cars, for the projected 18/80 Tiger. Crosby was commissioned to make several paintings by Vincenzo Florio of the race, and these are still in possession of the Sicilian Automobile Club. British, 1882 - 1950, Helen Steven Macaree The later signature appears to include the hyphen, and although Peter Garnier (1918-2000) in his book The Art of Gordon Crosby (Hamlyn, London 1978) states that the name was not hyphenated, by the 1930s his by-line in The Autocar clearly shows the hyphen. This first appeared on Jaguar cars late in 1938. In 1908 he started his career as a draughtsman in The Daimler Motor Companys drawing office. Through his years with Autocar, his talent and reputation grew. In the last few years before the Second World War, it became clear to many of his colleagues that all the enjoyment had gone out of the work. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Unable to cope with this great loss, F. Gordon Crosby committed suicide later the same year. Crosby also produced a set of 30, full colour caricatures of the foremost racers of the day with their cars, and worked on a number of plaques, sculptures and medallions of motoring subjects commissioned as trophies. British, 1893 - 1932, Jessica Dismorr The cars he best loved to illustrate were the big, pre-World War One racing cars, which feature prominently in much of his work. Surrey, at the age of 58. 1925, Antonio Ascari's Accident; and Benoist's Victory, pencil and grey wash heightened with white, signed and dated 'Paris 1925' each --15 x 15in (38.1 x 38.1cm) (a pair) The 1925 race was the first Grand Prix De L'A.C.F to be held on the new purpose built Montlhery circuit. TARGA FLORIO 1907, A PENCIL Frederick Gordon Crosby (British 18851943), 'Then the Plug Blew Clean Out Frederick Gordon Crosby (British, 1885-1943); 'Softly beats the drum'. At Brooks Goodwood Auction in June that year, Gordon Crosbys own bronze prototype mascot came up for sale with impeccable provenance from the family. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. First thoughts: Frederick Gordon Crosby's leaping Jaguar is one of the most instantly recognizable motoring symbols in the world. FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY AN ORIGINAL PAINTING BY FREDERICK GORDON-CROSBY The painting 'Hispano Suiza on the Open Road FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY (1885-1943), ARR. You will then receive an email every time a new lot by Frederick Gordon Crosby comes up at auction. Crosby, as illustrator, and Tombs and sometimes Davis, as writer, were responsible for producing one of Autocars humorous stalwarts: "Keeping up appearances". [emailprotected], Lacy Scott & Knight Auction Centre, 9 Sep 2016, Outstanding Le Mans Motor Racing Scene by F. Gordon Crosby. British, 1910 - 1943, William Ablett While some of Crosbys paintings represent events he actually saw, many reflect stories told to him by eyewitnesses. Most of Crosbys artwork were illustrations for Auto-Car magazine, a publication that saw its greatest heights in the 1920s and 1930s, according to automotive historians. He worked for the magazine Autocar for most of his life. A good example is Gordon Crosbys impression of the French Grand Prix of 1906. Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs! British, 1901 - 1937, Bernard Meadows Post in the forum instead. British, 1880 - 1945, Theresa Sylvester Stannard He worked for the magazine Autocar for most of his life. The first was when some of his party were killed in a plane crash returning from the French Grand Prix in 1922, and second, and even harder, was the death of his son Peter in 1943. Other information has also kindly been provided by the Gordon-Crosby family. Since 2012 the record price for this artist at auction is 25,622 USD for A Hispano-Suiza in a cypress avenue, sold at Christie's London in 2018. Crosby had no formal training as an artist, although he did attend life classes at art school some time after the start of his professional career. Visit our price data subscription page for options. Its no wonder that his artworks fetch such high prices, and that both imitators and forgers exist. dated 39, pen Frederick Gordon Crosby (British, 1885-1943): "Full chat at Brooklands", signed F Gordon Crosby FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY French Grand Prix - Lyon 1914; A fine and large original painting FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY French Grand Prix 1907 - A fine and large original painting , depicting the FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Two studies in detail of Pearce-Jones driving an E-Type 30-98 Vauxhall, and FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Brooklands, 1920, Three studies of the race in detail, signed, inscribed FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Colwyn Bay 1913, signed, inscribed - 1913 - Colwyn Bay - the reverse with FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Strasbourg 1922, Two studies of the race in detail, Visceaya on Bayalli 12 FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY European Grand Prix at Lyons, August 15th 1924, signed, inscribed on reverse FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Le Mans, June 26th 1925, signed,inscribed Le Mans, pencil, black ink and FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Brooklands 200 Miles Race, Oct 19th 1923, six studies of the race in detail FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Tours, 1923, Three studies of the race in detail, signed, inscribed Tours FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Brooklands Miracles 1920, This is thought to be Harry Hawker experiencing a FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY French Grand Prix, Amiens 1913, Theophile Schulider, signed, inscribed 1913 FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY The Grand Prix de Tourisme, August 8th 1924, signed, inscribed The FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Lyons, 8th August 1924, Campari's Alfa Romeo (No.10) neck and neck with FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY The 24 Hours race at Le Mans, June 1st 1923, signed, inscribed Searchlight FREDERICK GORDON CROSBY Two litre Grand Prix Sunbeam Racer, bare chassis study, signed, bears date Frederick Gordon Crosby 1914 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, Kenelm Lee Guiness on route to victory in Frederick Gordon Crosby XIX Grand Prix De L'A.C.F. A fine and rare limited edition MG Midget bronze, February 1932. The mascot on the right is Version 1, with its rear legs crouched and getting ready to spring forward. Crosby, throughout his career, had received opportunities for illustrating great works of art. ACTIVITY | April, 12 2023. Crosby and his contemporary Geo Ham have always been my favourites. Frederick Gordon Crosby (1885 - August 1943) was an English automotive illustrator. He had a humorous side too: on display in the Louwman Museum is a group of caricatures of famous British racing drivers from the 1920s, many of whom had been successful at Brooklands circuit. Frederick Gordon Crosby (1885-1943) A Hispano-Suiza in a cypress avenue signed and dated 'F. Gordon Crosby/ 1923' (lower left) pencil, black chalk and watercolour heightened with bodycolour on board 15 5/8 x 17 3/8 in. His illustrations and paintings reflect the excitement and glamour that surrounded the birth and early development of the automotive industry. After some 30 years of travelling and working to press deadlines, the work began to take its toll on Crosby. It should also be noted that, during the Second World War, Crosby illustrated some of his best work, especially the Roads of War series, along with his great illustrations of the war at sea and in the air. An extraordinarily dynamic watercolour on paper by the master of automotive art, Frederick Gordon Crosby depicting the victorious 3 litre Ballot driven by Jules Goux, overtaking Louis Wagner''s F.I.A.T 802 at the inaugural Italian Grand Prix in 1921. This magnificent bronze mascot is the original Gordon Crosby prototype. Crosby died in August 1943, in N.W. Similarly, the journalist Montague Tombs (1886-1979), and journalist/artist/racing driver and Bentley Boy, Sydney Charles Houghton Sammy Davis (1887-1981) have left their memories well recorded. Crosby, working at one of the greatest periods in the history of the car, did an enormous amount to glamorise motoring and motorsport of his time. ; One is in a private collection. Crosby produced many works in gouache and oil paint, but most of his oil paintings are confined to works about wartime aircraft. Crosby worked at a time when road transport was still in its infancy. His illustrations and paintings reflect the excitement and glamour that surrounded the birth and early development of the automotive industry. We can be fairly sure, however, that late-night conversations with Sammy Davis, who absented himself from art classes at The Slade in order to travel to watch the start of the 1903 Paris to Madrid race, must have helped. Crosby attended art classes at The Slade at Daviss suggestion, but credited them only with enhancing his caricaturing skills. TARGA FLORIO 1907, A PENCIL SIGNED PRINT. This included Paris, where he would sketch the latest models about to be released to the public, much to the annoyance of many of the vehicle stand attendants. From sporty race cars to stylish vehicles from the past, Crosby created beautiful illustrations of early automobile scenes. Crosby painted some very fine Landscapes, for example the oil paintings he did in 1918-1919 of the Scottish Highlands. Rain fell early in . His first son Peter was born in 1914 and his second son Michael in 1920. The comparison here is between the Version 2 mascot, above at 7.25", and Version 3 (right) at 5". At least two works are known to exist. Crosby bridges the divide between illustrator and artist. However, so few of that model were produced that the design was not required, so when William Lyons was re-launching his SS range to emphasise Jaguar, some judicious reworking of Gordon-Crosbys original and quite complex multi-piece design saw it become the Leaping Cat still gracing the marque 80 years later. Frederick Gordon Crosby 'Grand Prix du Tourisme - Lyon 1924', 1924 . He helped us remember defining moments in our automotive history, including dramatic sporting events and great looking automobiles that will not be forgotten. For many years, he had created great works of art that people still admire today. His work reflects the ease with which he was able to move between different media, from pen and ink to charcoal, crayons or watercolour, as well as a variety of sizes. Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs! THE FAMOUS.. Lt. Reggie Warneford shooting down an L37 over Ghent. Ludlow Clayton's first job was for the Automobile Engineer, published by Iliffe, the same company that published Autocar. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. There are nearly 300 of these originals that are still held in Autocars strong room. Whether working with pen and ink, charcoal, gouache or oils, he was one of the best. Misty harbour scene with sailing vessels and figures, signed Frederick Gordon Crosby (1885-1943) & Phil May. British, 1873 - 1937, Graham Bell As many as five rough castings were made, and the best was chosen to be presented to the client for approval. Picture ID: 157449 Nonclassified artists The Village Pond and West Farm, Fulwell by Frederick Gordon Crosby. Clayton drew Iliffes attention to Crosby, who was subsequently commissioned to create a perspective drawing of the BTH magneto. Rejects were returned to Parlanti to be melted down. From 1914 1918, Crosby was engaged in the investigation of German military aircraft, including Fighter and Zeppelin engine defaults. This was both the first German zeppelin to be shot down by British aircraft, and the first aeronautical picture ever hung in the Royal Academy. This was in the days before the breakthrough of action photography, and Gordon Crosby was able -as no other could- to represent on paper the atmosphere and glamour surrounding motor cars and motor racing. This allows you to place a bid at the right time. As his career continued, he would illustrate great works of automotive art for Auto-Car magazine. The Louwman Museum has an extensive art collection, including a large number of illustrations by Frederick Gordon Crosby (1885-1943), the famous illustrator for the British car magazine The Autocar. http://www.grandprixhistory.org/crosby.htm, http://colinchapmanmuseum.org.uk/?page_id=200, http://www.kolumbus.fi/leif.snellman/silver/silver.htm, http://www.wpocomms.co.uk/jaguar-original-mascot.php, http://www.imeche.org/library/crosbyprints.htm, https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n79067463, https://www.getty.edu/vow/ULANFullDisplay?find=&role=&nation=&subjectid=500086072, https://www.worldcat.org/identities/containsVIAFID/93907561, American singer, musician, and songwriter, Dutch association football player and manager. Featuring winning marques including Mercedes, Auto-Union, Delage and Aston Martin, each with a hand-written title panel, and capturing the key international drivers of the day at the wheel, including Richard Seaman, Earl Howe and Tazio Nuvolari. 1 sold lot. This mascot is 7.25" long, and early pre-war examples were often made from pot metal, a variable alloy made from scrap metal thrown into a melting pot. Post-war, the alloy stabilized as a zinc alloy. You can also check which objects in upcoming auctions will be sold. British, 1894 - 1939, Vernon March This included Paris, where he would sketch the latest models about to be released to the public, much to the annoyance of many of the vehicle stand attendants. However, during the war, his spirits seemed to rally and he produced some of his best works of battles both in the air and at sea. The Jaguar line of cars was launched by SS Cars in 1935, but the brochures and other sales literature for model year 1935/36 did not feature the feline. It is as if you are standing next to the artist as he sketches the action, although some of the excitement is thanks to a certain degree of artistic licence. Automobile Quarterly Volume IV, Number 4, F. Gordon Crosby-An Appreciation and a Portfolio by Peter Garnier; "The Art of Gordon Crosby", Peter Garnier. As one of the few published sources of information about his life, this article borrows heavily from Peter Garnier's book The Art of Gordon Crosby. View A Driver's Nightmare By Frederick Gordon Crosby; gouache and grey wash; 50 x 7 cm; Signed; Edition. Some of his color paintings were done in special portfolios called The Endless Quest for Speed.. This informed readers that the mascot was available from SS Cars agents at a price of two guineas. In 1908, Crosby at the age of 23, moved from Daimler to Autocar. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Lt. Reggie Warneford shooting down an L37 over Ghent. He was a greatly talented artist and in started working for The Autocar in 1908. British, 1864 - 1937, William Ainsworth Wildman Crosby was regularly commissioned to produce works that would be sold or auctioned to raise money for charities such as: Barnardos 1933-1934 French alps scene and; RAF benevolent fund, Aeroplane Diving - commissioned by King George VI. 70619 Stuttgart It subsequently sold for 45,750 (approx. $73,200 USD in 2011), including fees, at auction in 2011 still the world record for a single item of Jaguar automobilia. These were usually were created over the weekend for the Friday issue of Autocar. Memorabilia, Toys, Art, Signs, Clothing and Printed Material. In 1908, Crosby at the age of 23, moved from Daimler to Autocar. These ashtrays were seen in Jaguar showrooms in the 1950s. This is an important point. British A large collection of the works of Frederick Gordon Crosby is displayed at the first floor of the Louwman Museum in The Hague. (65 cm.) This allows you to place a bid at the right time. His illustrations and paintings reflect the excitement and glamour that surrounded the birth and early development of the automotive industry. From sporty race cars to stylish vehicles from the past, Crosby created beautiful illustrations of early automobile scenes. Frederick Gordon Crosby (1885 August 1943) was an English automotive illustrator. In his drawings and paintings Gordon-Crosby would exaggerate situations . Through his years with Autocar, his talent and reputation grew. A few weeks after the sale I was told that Michael was in England and would like to meet me, and I spent a thoroughly enjoyable day with him, learning much about his father and the mascot. Clayton drew Iliffe's attention to Crosby, who was subsequently commissioned to create a perspective drawing of the BTH magneto. Surrey, at the age of 58. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. Plan your visit to the automobile museum. Crosby attended Christs Hospital (Bluecoat) school, just outside London. Gordon-Crosby had a log association with The Autocar, then The Motor magazines. Frederick Gordon Crosby. In the last few years before the Second World War, it became clear to many of his colleagues that all the enjoyment had gone out of the work. He emphasized powerful automotive machines with big long hoods, heroic drivers and would occasionally include onlookers to focus attention. Overall, 141 lots by Frederick Gordon Crosby are in our price database - 97 with result prices. British, 1880 - 1962, Dora Carrington Crosby also had several great exhibitions during his lifetime featuring many of his greatest works, including three exhibits at the Royal Academy starting in 1916. In his drawings and paintings Gordon-Crosby would exaggerate situations somewhat in order to stir the readers imagination. At least two works are known to exist. The characters created in Keeping up Appearances made it an instant hit the first time it was published, and it was produced for years afterwards. wide; 15 in. Access more artwork lots and estimated & realized auction prices on MutualArt. 44x40cm mounted in glazed frame The catalyst for SS Cars adopting a mascot may have been the sight of a Desmo mascot on the radiator cap of a car in the Foleshill works in central England, probably sometime in late 1937 or early 1938. Oil on canvas motor racing scene through a wooded Frederick Gordon Crosby (1885-1943) A Hispano-Suiza in a cypress avenue signed and dated 'F. His work reflects the ease with which he was able to move between different media, from pen and ink to charcoal, crayons or watercolour, as well as a variety of sizes. This is the real thing, with impeccable provenance, having remained in the family until it was sold at Brooks Goodwood Auction in the south of England in June 1996. His artwork fetches high prices, and both imitations and forgeries exist.