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George Frederick Hudson 1875-1966 Kegworth Artist and creator of The Cog It is remarkable good fortune that manuscript copies of lectures given by George Fredrick Hudson (GFH) have been preserved from which to recreate the life and activities of this talented artist, cartoonist and caricaturist. His autobiographical rough notes are entitled "I Remember " (1) and were given as lectures in several places in the District, illustrated by lightening sketches on the blackboard. This biography draws heavily on these notes.

GFH was the eldest of what was to become a family of 6 children born to George and Rachael Hudson - George Frederick, Elizabeth Ann, Ruth, Gertrude, Arthur and Ezekia (who died in infancy). (2) The family lived in the London Road, Kegworth. George Senior was a watchmaker with a watch and clock repairing and jewellery business and separately a general provisions store.

GFH first saw the light of day on May 16th 1875. The baby was presented to Grandma who was lying ill in bed. She looked on in admiration and exclaimed "take him away" he'll be a cross'un". She died a few hours later.

At 4 years' of age George disturbed the serenity of the Infants School- he thought himself well in a blue frock with puffed sleeves. The Headmistress was Miss Cade who wore ringlets and in Winter a black respirator secured by thin back elastic over her ears -she taught knitting! At 7 the great day came for transfer to the Big Boys' School in The Dragwell. With constant application of the stick he mastered some Poetry, Grammar, Arithmetic and Geography. GFH was a bright boy exploiting his talents for example doing Jarbo Smith's sums for him for which services he was paid in small alphabet biscuits, a dozen at a time. There was however, no model drawing taught but under the keen eye of 'Gaffer' (headmaster) George Thomas, he learnt something of map drawing.

In November 1889 GFH graduated without honours at 14 and took up the position of Farmer's Assistant at Highfield's Farm, Ashby Road, Kegworth for which he was paid two shillings and sixpence (12 1/2 pence) a week. Hours of duty were from 6 am to 6 pm. George learnt a handy compliment of farming skills - ploughing, pressing, chaff cutting, but this was not for him. He could scarcely lift the horses' collars and although the farm survived his brilliance for a fortnight he received notice to quit.

In 1890 smart lads were required by the Telegraph Department of the Midland Railway Company. George applied (thinking this description suited him very nicely), passed an examination at Derby and a few months later commenced his railway career as a signalman in the sleepy old world town of Oakham, Rutland.

In 1891 he was transferred to Huskinson Dock, Liverpool. His wages there amounted to nine shillings and 8 pence a week (just short of 50 pence). The cost of his lodgings came to ten shillings a week (50p) and his Mother made up the difference by providing a basket of cakes for his landlady. In Liverpool he learned the Dock line from Brunswick to Bootle. He visited home every fortnight. A few doors away in London Road, lived a cooper named John Henson who specialised in making wooden buckets by order for the local gentry and breweries. The buckets were painted a cheerful blue with black hoops, the initials of the owner being painted in white. This became George's first commission in commercial art. An array of perhaps a dozen buckets would be awaiting his arrival on a Saturday night. The payment was half a penny a letter and sometimes joyfully a shilling (5p) was pocketed. In 1894 he removed from Birkenhead to Bedford learning much about the town, John Bunyan and Elstow. He was fascinated by the watercolour paintings of Henry Stannard (whose paintings included those of the Royal Family), and by a young lady too!

In 1897 he transferred to London St Pancras and making the most of spasmodic opportunities for part time education that work would allow, joined the Regent Street Polytechnic (now part of the University of Westminster) and the Dalmeny Art School in Highgate.

In 1898 at the request of his Chief he shook the dust of London off his feet and returned to Head Office Derby. It was in that year that his first published drawing appeared, being the headpiece for the Railway Telegraphist. He later produced a monthly cartoon for the London Journal called Electricity.

On August 23rd 1899 the marriage took place between George and Emily Eccles at St Paul's Church Bedford, the girl he had met who was teaching in Kempston, Bedfordshire. The couple settled down in Crewton, Derby. There was a daughter Winifred Bernice born in 1907.

Back in Derby, George joined the Technical College studying Machine Construction and Drawing and made a shot for the Department's Drawing Office, succeeding as a draughtsman and in 1903 he was able to join the Art side of the College and studied Life Drawing and Artistic Anatomy. George remained in the Drawing Office until his retirement in 1935 totalling 45 years' railway service. Thereafter he was able to devote himself entirely to his hobby. He had designed his own house and studio which he named Elstow situated in Ashby Road, Kegworth.

In 1906 GFH drew the first cartoon for a new Saturday paper the Derby Football Express. He was given a seat with the Press on the field and interviewed Steve Bloomer, Jimmy Methven, Johnny Goodall and other members of the team. (Derby County)

The same year the Derby Telegraph published a series of his cartoons of local worthies including Sir Thomas Roe and Sir Herbert Raphael

After returning to Kegworth from Derby in 1908 GFH employed his not inconsiderable skills in artistic endeavour in bringing to public attention affairs of the village and district and beyond. He continued to produce cartoons for the Derby Herald, The Bedford Times, The Nottingham Journal and Western Echo in St Ives Cornwall where he spent many a holiday. In St Ives he worked alongside some of the prominent artists of the day such as John Anthony Park and Barbara Hepworth in that spot much favoured by artists. He was official cartoonist for the Derby Daily Telegraph. Nationally, his works were represented in many of organs of the Non-Conformist movement such as the Temperance Crusader. He also submitted cartoons to the Radio Times and Punch. This work brought him into contact with artistic, political and religious figures of the day, Frank Reynolds, Lord Soper, Gracie Fields, and Paul Robeson to name but a few.

His artistic work gave great pleasure to many. Most of his services were contributed voluntarily as he observed "I have made and given away many hundreds of drawings, postcards and skits and revelled in it". He was a member and exhibitioner of the Nottingham Society of Artists and Derby Sketching Club.

Reflecting his love of music GFH met and drew from life a number of prominent musicians, Mark Hambourg, Pouishnoff, Moisiewitsch, Leslie Jeffries, Frank Titterton, Leon Goossens, Isabel Baillie, Kathleen Ferrier and others.

In 1944 GFH received through the courtesy of The Royal Academy an invitation to submit 2 of his studies at the Central Institute of Art and Design at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square which were later exhibited in various RAF Depots. His works are also represented in the National Railway Museum, York.

The Public Catalogue Foundation Oil Paintings (3) lists his work entitled Sir John Kirk, A Birthplace (1928) now in the Kegworth Heritage Centre's collection Handkerchief Barn, High Street, Kegworth.

During the First World War and at age 39 George being in a reserved occupation was thus exempt from military service. He produced a booklet sent to the local boys fighting in Europe entitled Our Village in Wartime and later published An Xmas Medley. GFH also illustrated Dorothy Woodcock's book Tom Moore and Kegworth. (4) Thomas Moore the Irish poet lived at The Cedars Kegworth 1812-13 to be close to his patron Lord Moira of Castle Donington. Moore achieved success as a songwriter and it is believed he completed his most famous work Irish Melodies and Those Evening Bells whilst residing in Kegworth. (5)

During the late 1920's and 30's GFH conceived, designed and edited the historic series of Cog's for the Kegworth Hospital Carnival organised by the Kegworth Hospital Association which prior to the advent of the NHS raised approximately £200 annually (modern equivalent of about £13 000 (2020)) in support of hospitals in the surrounding region - Nottingham, Derby and Loughborough.

In 1971 the Kegworth Carnival took as its theme 'The Good Old Days'. John Barker who had moved into the village took over the production of the Carnival Programme. "Like all new brooms the new editor wanted to do something different". The pre-war Cogs were brought to his attention. "This was the key and G F Hudson, God rest his soul, must be pleased. Those who are fortunate to have seen these early magazines will know my joy at finding this artistic treasure chest of wit and memories. G.F. Hudson had produced a magazine with a magic of its own- it bore the stamp of its creator...reading these old magazines I 'caught the bug' and began to realise the fascinating history of Kegworth. It was obvious that I couldn't better The Cog and as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery I decided to try and recapture the old world flavour of the magazine using modern printing methods." (5 and 6)

At the Kegworth Carnival there had been an "Old Kegworth Exhibition" and all these initiatives led to the formation of the Kegworth Village Association and eventually to the establishment of the Kegworth Village Museum and Heritage Centre.

In a similar vein GFH had caught the attention of Maurice I Bray the Railway Historian who recognised for his exceptional artistic ability.

Illustrated posters and illuminated addresses were another of GFH's specialties. He was also a great entertainer especially in the days of the old Temperance Hall and held oneman exhibitions of his works.

GFH was a lifelong Methodist and acted as Sunday School teacher, Superintendent and conductor.

During his retirement GFH became known as providing a free taxi service in Kegworth. (7)

His prodigious output of works which are often reproduced will long endure as a tribute to his name.

To view a selection of his works contact The Kegworth Heritage Centre.

References

''1 G.F. Hudson " I Remember" a tabloid autobiography 1913

2 Census 1891

3 Published by Butler Long Eaton

4 Country Life December 2nd 2011

5 The Cog Kegworth Carnival Souvenir Programme 1971

6 Cogwords Volume 1 No 1 1972

7 Daily Mail January 1961''

Press articles referred to are in the Jessop Family Collection although a good many unique items were given to the Kegworth Museum by Mrs Winifred Elliott daughter of GFH.