Sydney Lee

Sydney Lee RA (27 August 1866 – 31 October 1949) was a British wood engraver, active at the beginning of the twentieth century. He was a founder member of the Society of Wood Engravers (1920). He was also a painter in oils and a Royal Academician.

Sydney Lee was born on 27 August 1866 in Manchester. He spent some time in his father's mills, but soon enrolled at the Manchester School of Art, where he studied sculpture and relief modelling and became interested in print-making using metal and wood. The School's Director of Design was Walter Crane, who encouraged Lee's interest in Japanese prints. In 1892 Lee moved to London; and in 1893 he married Edith Mary Elgar. The couple had no children. After their extended honeymoon in Italy, Lee enrolled in Paris at the Académie Colarossi (1894).

In 1895 he and his wife settled in Holland Park Road, London. In 1900 Lee exhibited his first painting at the Royal Academy of Arts (he exhibited there frequently thereafter). From 1903 he exhibited at the New English Art Club, and was a member from 1906 to 1920. In 1905 he was elected an associate of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers, and became a fellow in 1915. He was also an active member of the Society of Graver-Printers in Colour. From 1906 he taught wood-engraving at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, London.

After the First World War Lee became a founder member of the Society of Wood Engravers (1920). He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1922, and a full Royal Academician in 1930. He served as the Academy's treasurer from 1932 to 1940, and in the elections of December 1938 to become its president he was defeated by a narrow majority of two votes in favour of Sir Edwin Lutyens. In 1934 Lee became a member of the Council of Art and Industry.

...
Wikipedia