Joseph William Hammick was a British draughtsman predominantly known for his elegant newspaper illustrations.

Born into a multi-generational family of bakers, Hammick was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps. His parents, siblings and grandparents all worked in a bakery and his formative years were spent in this environment. How he trained as an artist is unknown as there are no apparent records relating to his education.

Perhaps, given his aptitude for figurative work, his inspiration was derived from the various finely dressed patrons who frequented the family shop. In this respect, we’re reminded of the great JMW Turner who was raised in a busy London barber’s and would sell his drawings to customers.

In 1901, the census recorded young Hammick’s occupation as an ‘Artist’. At just 19, he’d somehow attained the level of being regarded as a professional. It’s probable that he’d done so while also fulfilling his obligations among dough, flour and yeast - quite an achievement given the circumstances.

His early works include ‘A Summer Day Dream’ and ‘The Morning Ride’ published in the Lady’s Pictorial - illustrations to support a narrative. And in 1908, he was published in the popular ‘London Illustrated News’ with ‘An Informal Picnic’. In each of these, his skill for figures is comparable with any of his contemporaries, particularly with regard to the female form. He possessed a keen eye for drapery with careful attention to the elaborate outfits of his day.

Here, in a delightful piece from 1905, he’s depicted a couple within a theatre. A young lady, dressed in an exquisitely ruffled top, cape, and oversized hat, is flaunting her style. While an older gentleman wearing a suit and coat looks on. It’s a fine example of his masterly ability to encapsulate the decadence of Edwardian fashionistas.

Hammick continued in this vein for around a decade, gaining commissions for book illustrations alongside his drawings for newspapers and magazines. A handful of works were shown at London’s Royal Academy including, in 1912, a ‘Souvenir of Taormina’. All the while living with his family who were still employed as bakers.

It’s plausible that, if he’d been allowed to continue this way, he would’ve become one of the finest illustrators of his generation - gaining increasing popularity among London’s elite publishers. But instead, in 1914, like many of his peers, he faced the realities of World War I.

It’s perhaps fair to assume that, given the genteel nature of his known work, Joseph William Hammick was a rather tender gentleman. And if we can judge his interests by his chosen subjects, he had a greater affinity for decorative apparel than he did for the rigours of trench warfare. Hence, we can only imagine how he felt amid the looming prospect of conscription.

In 1921, the census recorded him working as a secretary for ‘P Buck Baker, Confectioner, Caterer’ of 48-52 High Street, Watford. His artistic career was essentially finished. It’s unclear how he spent the war years but perhaps he opted to work with his family instead of facing combat - many bakers were exempted. He spent the rest of his life employed in similar roles. 

Today, as we consider the handful of examples available to view by this talented artist, it brings to light another consequence of needless war and aggression.

Timeline

1882

Born in Eastbourne, Sussex, to John Hammick, a baker, and Elizabeth Henrietta Hammick (nee Hooke). Both of his grandfathers were also bakers. 

Death of father.

1891

Lived with his widowed mother, siblings and bakery assistants in Eastbourne. His mother worked as a baker.

1901

Lived in Tonbridge, Kent, with his grandparents, his mother, siblings and bakery assistants. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist’.

1904

Published in ‘Art and Letters: Illustrated Monthly Magazine’.
‘A Summer Day Dream’ and ‘The Morning Ride’ published in the Lady’s Pictorial.

C. 1905

Provided illustrations for ‘The Vindication of John Minden’ By Albany de Fonblanque.
‘Daffodils’ published in the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News.
‘Starting for the Meet’ and other drawings published in the Lady’s Pictorial.
Shown at the Tunbridge Wells Arts & Crafts Exhibition as reported by the Kent & Sussex Courier.

“Good drawings were shown by Mr J W. Hammick, (whose admirable work for the London Press is so well known).”

1906

Provided illustrations for ‘The Magic Jujubes’ by Theodora Wilson Wilson.

1907

Debuted at the Royal Academy with ‘By The Summer Sea’ and ‘Prawners’. Address recorded as Tunbridge Wells.
‘Jack Frost’s Too Brief Visit: An Exciting Hockey Match On Skates’ published in the Illustrated London News.
Provided illustrations for ‘Sarah the Valiant’ by Theodore Wilson Wilson.

1908

‘The Opening Meet Of The Devon and Somerset Staghounds’ shown at the Royal Academy. Address recorded as Tunbridge Wells.
‘Esther's at the Shore’ published as the cover illustration for ‘Pittsburgh’s Illustrated Weekly’.
‘Just in Time’ published in the Lady’s Pictorial.

1909

‘The Smart Side of The Derby’ published in the Illustrated London News.
‘In the Paddock’ published in ‘Black and White’.

1911

Lived in Wandsworth, London, with his grandfather, mother, and bakery assistants. Occupation recorded as ‘Painter Artist’.

1912

‘Souvenir of Taormina’ shown at the Royal Academy. Address recorded as Wandsworth.

1915

‘The Sea Bathers’ published in the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News.

1921

Lived in Watford, Hertfordshire, with his brother, sister-in-law, mother, and niece. Occupation recorded as Secretary for ‘P Buck Baker, Confectioner, Caterer’ of 48-52 High Street, Watford.

1939

Lived in Watford, Hertfordshire, with his mother. Occupation recorded as ‘Secy Top Bucks Ltd Bakers & Confectionery’.

1950

Died in Watford, Hertfordshire.