George Edward Hobbs

George Edward Hobbs (1878-1955) was born in Market Harborough, Leicestershire to George W. Hobbs (b.1838) and his wife Fanny (b.1841). Siblings included Francis (b.1867), Henry (b.1869), Florence (b.1870), Fanny (b.1872), Mabel (b.1875), and Dora (b.1881).

Both Florence and Fanny are shown as being 'artist painter' in the 1891 census, when the family is living in 35 Bignold Road, West Ham, East London (now Forest Gate area). 

George married Mary Ann Matilda Hill in Poplar in 1914. Their two children, George Wilson Hobbs (b.1917) and Harold Leslie Hobbs (b.1919), were born in Leigh-on-Sea, their address in the 1921 census being 35 The Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. The family later lived in South Benfleet, Essex, in Stanley Villas (now Fleet Road).

George was a self-employed artist who worked from home. He wrote and illustrated several children’s books on the theme of brownies (elves), and also stories and illustrations for children’s annuals. He may have also illustrated cards for the publisher, Raphael Tuck.

Several illustrations by Hobbs appeared in the 1910 'Rosebud Annual', published by James Clarke and Co, Fleet Street, London.

Hobbs died on 20th September 1955.