A Life Dedicated to Portraiture and the Illustrated Word John Loftus Leigh-Pemberton, born in Chelsea, London, in 1911 and passing away in Merton, Surrey, in 1997, was a British artist whose career spanned much of the 20th century. He carved a distinctive niche for himself not only as a portraitist of notable figures—military leaders and members of the nobility—but also as a prolific illustrator, particularly celebrated for his contributions to children’s literature and popular educational series like Shell Guides and Ladybird books. His life was one that seamlessly blended artistic training…