BEARDSLEY, Aubrey Vincent, English illustrator: b. Brighton, 8 Aug. 1872; d. Men tone, France, 16 March 1898. He was very pre cocious, drew at four and sold his copied com positions at 11. At the age of 15 he had pro duced a sketchbook of marked originality. He received no special instruction in drawing, but studied prints and drawings in the British Mu seum. He was possessed also of extraordinary musical talent and was partial to Wagner. After leaving school he was placed in an ar chitect's office, which ill-health soon obliged him to leave and accept a clerical position. At this time he was befriended by Burne-Jones who gained him admission to the Westminster Art School. He remained there but a few months. In 1892 he began his illustration of
(Rape of the Lock,' and
Beardsley's style was original and unique in several respects. He ranks high among the illustrators of his time because of his remark able execution, conception and line mastery. Collections of his drawings have been issued under the titles