Sir Herbert James Gunn, R.A. (1893-1964)

Edward Verrall Lucas was a prolific essayist, biographer and author, whose books included the seminal Life of Charles Lamb, 1905, and short books on painters such as Vermeer and Constable. Lucas once remarked of the painters he praised: 'I know very little about pictures, but I like to write about them for the benefit of those who know less.' His easy and accessible introductions helped broaden the cultural horizons for a great number of readers, and liberated the language of the critic from undue pedantry and affectation.