Charles March Gere 1869-1957

Painter, illustrator designer of wall decorations and stained glass and teacher. Born in Gloucester, Gere won scholarships to Birmingham School of Art, where he studied under Edward Taylor and later taught. Gere's early work was much influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite-favoured Italian painters and for a time he studied tempera painting in Italy. Worked with William Morris at the Kelmscott Press and later at the Ashendene Press and did much to make the Birmingham School a centre of excellence for book design, contending that illustrations and type should be complementary. Was interested in the revival of wood engraving. Gere was a member of the Birmingham Group of Painters and Craftsmen, which was strongly Arts and Crafts-oriented. Brother of the artist Margaret Gere. He exhibited prolifically, especially at RWS and NEAC, also Fine Art Society,v Carfax Gallery holds his work. Gere's landscapes are notable for their careful design and serene atmosphere. Lived at Painswick, Gloucestershire, and died in Gloucester.