Geoffrey Sneyd Garnier A.R.W.A.

S.G.A. (1889 - 1970)

Educated at Charterhouse, Geoffrey Garnier began his working life in the field of engineering, with employment by a firm in Toronto, Canada.  During his time abroad, having already shown considerable artistic ability, he decided to pursue art as a career.

In 1910 he returned to England and studied for two years at the Bushey School of Painting, near Watford, then moving to Stanhope Forbes' Newlyn School of Art.  After an intervening period  in first the Army and then Royal Navy, Geoffrey Garnier settled in Newlyn, buying Orchard Cottage where he established a large art studio.  This was to be his place of work for nearly fifty years, where he concentrated on his skills of engraving & etching, especially the aquatint technique.

This particular etching method fascinated him, and he was inspired by the work of William Daniel (1769-1837) going on to discover the secrets of the process used by Daniel and become an internationally acclaimed authority on this technique.  Over many years he produced numerous fine examples of work using these skills.

Much of his aquatint work depicted local Cornish Scenes. During the 20's and 30's he involved himself in various community affairs including the running of the Harbour Sports for which he acted as writer and illustrator.  This would frequently see him "dashing off" to Falmouth to board a quay-punt, proceed out to sea, and meet old trading wind-jammers calling at Falmouth for orders.  These trips inspired many of his beautiful marine works etched in aquatint.

Geoffrey Garnier also developed his skill in line engraving to a very high degree.  In the words of a local contemporary, Malcolm Pilcher, "Geoffrey had the uncanny gift of engraving direct to the copper plate, without first drawing his design , using the tool almost as an extension of himself"  The Oriental series are fine examples of his skill.

Revised: October 17, 2002 .

Contact info@chinesegallery.co.uk