In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Lancelot Speed, exploring its multiple facets and meanings. From a historical to a contemporary approach, we will analyze how Lancelot Speed has left its mark on different aspects of society. Through research and testimonies, we will reveal the different perspectives that exist around Lancelot Speed, allowing the reader to obtain a broad and enriching vision on this topic. From its origins to its impact today, we will immerse ourselves in a journey of discovery and reflection about Lancelot Speed.
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Lancelot Speed | |
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Born | Lancelot Speed 13 June 1860 |
Died | 31 December 1931 | (aged 71)
Lancelot Speed (13 June 1860 – 31 December 1931) was a coastal painter and a British illustrator of books in the Victorian era, usually of a fantastical or romantic nature. He is probably most well known for his illustrations for Andrew Lang's fairy story books. Speed is credited as the designer of the 1916 silent film version of the novel She: A History of Adventure by H. Rider Haggard, which he illustrated.
Speed was born in London on 13 June 1860, the youngest son of William Speed, a Queen's Counsel of the Middle Temple. He attended Rugby School. He was admitted to and matriculated from there in Easter 1881. He was admitted to Clare College, Cambridge, on 27 January 1881, matriculated that Easter, and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1885.
Speed had no formal art training, but became an illustrator working primarily in black and white. Process engraving particularly suited his fine lines, and he was one of the earlier illustrators to benefit from the new technology.
He lived and worked at Southend-on-Sea, England in the latter part of his life.
He was also the director of several early British silent films.
Lancelot Speed's cartoon work is the source of the nickname for the colourful commander of the World War II Special Forces unit "Popski's Private Army". Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Peniakoff, DSO MC, a Belgian of White Russian descent, was called "Popski" by Bill Kennedy Shaw, the Intelligence Officer of the Long Range Desert Group because his signallers had trouble with the spelling of his surname. Peniakoff earned early notoriety (and his MC) with his behind-the-lines raids to blow up German petrol dumps, transported there and back, in some exasperation, by the LRDG.[citation needed]
In the Pip, Squeak and Wilfred adventures before the start of World War II, there were two hairy characters: one was a scheming, plotting, bomb-throwing Bolshevik, and the other was his dog. The mad Russian was called "Professor Wtzkoffski" and the dog was called "Popski". These cartoon characters in the Daily Mirror were well known to all the soldiers, and in his best-selling book about his small irregular unit, "Popski" said, "...I was delighted with my nickname...".
Speed died at Deal, Kent on 31 December 1931[note 1] and was buried at Knowlton, Kent, England. His estate was valued at just over £265.