About the artist
Arthur Cadwgan Michael, a well known painter and illustrator, gained recognition for his early monochrome artwork, including depictions of the First World War published in Illustrated London News and book illustrations. Born in Swansea on June 23, 1881, Arthur was the youngest child of Ben Michael and Laurina Louisa. Although his birth certificate spelled his middle name as 'Cadwgan,' he later signed it as 'Cadogan.' The family relocated to Merthyr Tydfil, where they managed the Bush Hotel, a well-established establishment hosting local business meetings and auctions. Arthur's artistic talent emerged during his teenage years when he attended evening art classes at Penydarren School taught by G. F. Harris. In April 1894, his artwork received praise from the Merthyr Express. Subsequently, he pursued his education at the Government School of Science and Art in Swansea, where he excelled in various subjects. In 1899, he ventured to Paris, where he contributed drawings to several magazines, adopting the moniker "AM" and variations of his name. His success in Paris garnered attention from the press in Merthyr. Around 1903, he returned to England, and in 1905, he married Constance Rosling. Throughout his career, Arthur produced illustrations for numerous publications, including The Pall Mall Magazine and The Illustrated London News. While his work predominantly credited him as "A. C. Michael," his earlier pieces were signed as "Arthur C. Michael." In 1912, his name became headline news due to a scandal involving an exchange of wives. Arthur embarked on journeys to Spain, documenting his experiences in An Artist in Spain, published in 1914. By the late 1920s, he had settled in Guernsey, where he created posters for railway companies. During the German occupation of Guernsey in 1940, Arthur and his wife Dorothy were interned in Germany until the war's end. After returning to Guernsey, Arthur continued painting until his death on June 29, 1965.
