by Jack Heath
etching, circa 1938-1939
NPG D47411
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Stephen Govier
17 May 2020, 13:37
Robert Austin [1895-1973] studied art at Leicester School of Art [1909-1913] and then at the Royal College of Art under Frank Short. During the 2nd World War he served as a War Artist. After the war he taught at the Royal College of Art and became the Head of the Engraving Scool in 1946, when Malcolm Osborne retired. He was married to Ada may Harrison the writer and they were the parents of Robin, Rachel and Clare. In his later years he purchased the old Methodist's Chapel in Burnham Overy Staithe which he converted into a studio and home. My father James Henry Govier [1910-1974] assisted Austin as etching demonstrator at the Royal College of Art in 1939. Some of the etchers he influenced and taught were called Austin's Babies. This probably referred to the female art students at the RCA including Eleanor Erlund Hudson and Denise Brown. Austin influenced his pupils with his technical ability and his influence can be seen in the work of his pupils. Stephen Govier son of James Henry Govier etching demonstrator.