Fred Whisstock

He moved to Southend in 1887, and was encouraged in his painting by George Reed, the headmaster of London Road Schools.

He worked with the poster artist Charles Dawson and later shared a studio in Jessle Chambers with the famous engraver J.A.C.

[1][2] During this period he drew three caricatures (signed under the pseudonym Quip) that were published in Vanity fair.

[1] In the early 20th Century and up until 1930, Whisstock was employed by Britain's to design the box labels in a single style for their lead toy soldiers series.

In good condition Britains Toy Soldiers in an original Whisstock Box have become highly collectable items (usually the signature is in the bottom left corner).