John Lockwood Kipling (1837-1911) was an art teacher, an illustrator, museum curator, and father of Rudyard Kipling. He met his wife Alice while working in Burslem, Staffordshire, where he was the co-designer of the Wedgwood Institute. In 1865, he and his wife moved from London to India, where he had been appointed as a professor of architectural sculpture in the Jeejeebhoy School of Art in Mumbai (Bombay). Their son Rudyard was born soon after. In 1875, he was appointed the Principal of Mayo School of Art, Lahore (present day National College of Arts, Pakistan) and also became curator of the museum in Lahore, which makes an appearance in Kim as the Wonder House, "Aijab Ghar". He illustrated many of Rudyard Kipling's books, and other works, including Tales of the Punjab by Flora Annie Steel. He also worked on the decorations for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and friezes on the Crawford Market in Mumbai. During his tenure as the Principal of the Mayo School of Art, Lahore he patronised indigenous artisans and through training and apprenticeship transformed them into craftsmen and designers. One of his protegés was Bhai Ram Sing, who assisted him in his imperial commission for decorating the Durbar Room at Osborne House. Kipling also remained editor of the Journal of Indian Art and Industry, which carried drawing works from the students of the Mayo School.
Further reading
The Pater: John Lockwood Kipling His Life and Times 1837-1911, Arthur R Ankers ISBN 1-871044-00-6 "Official Chronicle of the Mayo School of Art: The formative years under Lockwood Kipling. (1875 to 1893), Researched and Introduced by Nadeem Omar Tarar. Samina Choonara (editor). National College of Arts, Lahore, 2003, ISBN 969 8623-00-0
