About Edward Julius Detmond
Edward Julius Detmold (1883-1957) was born in Putney, Wandsworth in Surrey. Both he and his twin brother, Charles Maurice Detmold, were prolific Victorian book illustrators. Their uncle, Henry E. Detmold, was also a painter and had encouraged them with their art growing up. They were exhibiting at the Royal Academy and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours at the age of 13.
They mastered the techniques of painting in watercolour, etching and colour printing with copper plates. They bought a printing press and started to produce their own proofs at home.
Together they compiled a portfolio of coloured etchings of animals and flowers, created in a Japanese style. They were very popular and were regularly sold out.
They collaborated and were asked to create illustrations and watercolours for books such as ‘Pictures From Birdland’ published in 1899, and Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book published in 1903.
Charles Maurice Detmold died in 1903, which lead to his brother throwing himself into his work.
Edward went on to illustrate and paint for more books from 1909 onwards.
