Victoria Embankment Gardens, 1912

Charles Ginner was a British painter specialising in landscape and urban art. Originally born in the south of France to British parents Ginner always intended on becoming a painter, despite his parent’s disapproval. At age 26 he went to study art in Paris taking inspiration from Van Gogh, Gaugin, and Cezanne. In 1910 he settled in London and became a member of the Camden Town Group, a group of English post-impressionist artists who often depicted London before and during World War 1. Ginner went on to become an official War artist specialising in harbour scenes and bombed buildings awarding him a CBE. He often applied paint using thick, regular brushstrokes whilst maintaining a high level of detail meaning he was praised by both French and British artists.