main content Charles Keeping (1924-1988)

16 Church Road, Shortlands, BR2

Charles William James Keeping was born in Lambeth Walk, South London on 22nd September 1924. On leaving school at the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to the printing trade followed by service in the Royal Navy between 1942 to 1946. After the war he studied at the Regent Street Polytechnic where he obtained a National Diploma in Art and Design in 1949. He was a teacher of lithography at Croydon College from 1963 to 1978; and a visiting lecturer in Printmaking at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts from 1979.

His lithographs have been exhibited in London, Italy, Australia and USA, including the International Exhibition of Lithography at Cincinnati in 1958. He also has prints in many collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum. Charles Keeping won awards for illustrations particularly in children's books.

Charles Keeping eventually turned to writing as well as illustrating his own books. He grew up in the dock and market area of South London and his work was mainly concerned with the people in the work streets of London.

Charles Keeping was married to Renate Meyer (an artist) on 20th September, 1952. They had four children. From 1961 until his death on 16th May 1988, Charles Keeping lived at 16 Church Road, Shortlands. His widow, Renate Meyer, still lives in the house.

Illustrations from Charles Keeping's books and work in watercolour, textiles and prints can be seen at The Keeping Gallery. Conducted tours take place on Thursdays, other times negotiable. 

For tours please e-mail: renate@thekeepinggallery.co.uk

Further information is available at www.thekeepinggallery.co.uk