1940 C. S. LEWIS. Original Drawing of Lewis by G. K. Chesterton's Godson, Illustrator Nicolas Bentley.

A very fine original drawing of C. S. Lewis, almost certainly drawn in person by G. K. Chesterton's godson, Nicolas Bentley. 

Bentley was a fascinating chap indeed. He opted for the prestigious Heatherley's School for Fine Art rather than college, but left after only a few months to, quite literally, join the circus. He became a traveling clown for no compensation. His godfather was "concerned."

All the time on the road, he continued to draw. Whether it was from genuine interest, pity, or to inspire him, no one knows. But his godfather, G. K. Chesterton, offered to purchase one of his drawings from the "clown days." He consequently believed others might want to purchase his work. And a career was born. He began in commercial illustration, but during the 1930's and 1940's he became well-known for his caricatures, a sort of Al Hirschfield of England. He also published serious works of illustration for authors as diverse as T. S. Eliot, Hilaire Belloc, and Ian Fleming.

A lovely and increasingly rare "in person" artifact from the life of C. S. Lewis.

5 x 6 inch image reveal; mounted and matted with slightest of handling to the matting. Very nicely preserved. A real charmer for the library.