The Circus Ring

George Charles Haite was born in Bexleyheath, Kent, the eldest son of George Haite, a textile designer. Following his father’s footsteps he initially worked as a wallpaper and carpet designer but began painting and exhibited his first picture at the Royal Academy in 1883. In late 1890 he was asked to provide cover pen and ink illustrations for the new magazine, The Strand, launched in 1891. The magazine quickly became a success as the Sherlock Holmes stories grew in popularity and Haite’s designs and illustrations were seen in nearly every household. He was a hard working and sociable character and was a member of many societies including the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, the Royal Society of British Artists, the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Society of Miniature Painters and the Institute of Decorative Designers. The LS initials on this watercolour suggest it was drawn at one of the evening gatherings of either the Langham Sketch Club or London Sketch Club. The members would meet to enjoy a convivial supper night and challenge one another to each complete a sketch of the same title chosen for that evening. In 1898 Haite was instrumental in a group of artists breaking away from the Langham Sketch Club and forming the London Sketch Club. Haite became the inaugural president of the club, other members at this time included John Hassall, Phil May and Dudley Hardy.