David Charlesworth GRA

Unlike many professional artists who turn to full-time art from teaching or other careers, David has always worked within the professional art and graphic arts industry. He was one of Britain's last Litho Artist apprentices in the days of the ‘closed shop’ and the Society of Lithographic Artists, Designers and Engravers.
He began drawing trains and aircraft before he was three years old, started painting with oils when eight and completed his first commission when only twelve! Born in 1954, he is one of the few professional artists of his years with almost 40 years continuous experience producing and selling paintings and illustrations for customers at home and abroad.
Starting work in a large graphic studio at the age of 16, he benefited greatly from the aged principles of the company apprenticeship. Bound to the firm for five years, he served 'under the wing' of the studio elders and was thus educated, not just within the industry but in lifestyle too. He was encouraged to develop his art outside of the studio and bring work in for criticism. Staff within the art department included some very talented artists and modellers.
Ten years as a Newspaper Artist developed his understanding of working at speed and meeting very tight deadlines. The editors sometimes gave as little as 45 minutes notice for cartoons, but this period also taught him a great deal about working to specific customer requirements at the right price.
He gave up the security of a salary to go self-employed in 1987, with a young daughter, a wife and a large mortgage to support!
David's work is not confined to railway subjects. As an industry-trained, working professional artist & graphic designer his work covers every subject, including portraits in most mediums.
A competent photographer and enthusiast of India, he is co-author and producer of a colourful book of India, entitled India, 'No problem Sahib'. He is the illustrator of the spectacular book on the Darjeeling Railway (North East India) called 'Halfway to Heaven', and illustrator and producer of 'Chwedlau - Ffestiniog Fables', a publication produced for the Festiniog Railway Company in Wales. His keen interest in Indian Railways has led to his involvement in other publications and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society, as co-founder and editor/producer of the Darjeeling Mail magazine with over 800 members in 23 countries. His other interests include building a large model railway as a continuous project, powerful motorcycles and mending things!