Born in this very house at 57 Palace Gardens Terrace, Max Beerbohm’s journey began. This blue plaque commemorates Sir Max Beerbohm a renowned artist and writer. Let’s delve into the life of this fascinating figure.
Sir Henry Maximilian Beerbohm entered the world on August 24, 1872. He became known simply as Max. He was the youngest of nine children. His father was a Lithuanian-born grain merchant named Julius Ewald Edward Beerbohm.
Max had close relationships with his half-siblings. Herbert Beerbohm Tree was a famous stage actor. Max attended a day school in Orme Square. His teacher instilled in him a love for Latin. Mrs. Wilkinson taught him drawing. These were the only drawing lessons he ever received.
He went to Charterhouse School and Merton College Oxford. Max became acquainted with Oscar Wilde. He also met Aubrey Beardsley. Both were influential figures in the literary and artistic world. Max left Oxford without a degree.
In 1894 his personality as a dandy and humorist was developed. Wilde famously said of him, “The gods have bestowed on Max the gift of perpetual old age.” In 1895 Max traveled to the United States. He worked as a secretary for his half-brother’s theatrical company.
Beerbohm’s career blossomed. He became known for his essays parodies and caricatures. He served as the drama critic for the Saturday Review from 1898 to 1910. George Bernard Shaw dubbed him “the Incomparable Max”.
In 1910 Beerbohm married American actress Florence Kahn. They moved to Rapallo Italy. They lived there for most of their lives. During World War I and World War II, they returned to Britain.
His caricatures often featured late Victorian and Edwardian figures. He was influenced by French cartoonists. Major collections of his work can be found in various museums. These include the Ashmolean Museum and the Tate collection.
Beerbohm received a knighthood in 1939. In 1942 the Maximilian Society was created in his honor. It was to celebrate his seventieth birthday. He died in Rapallo Italy in 1956. His ashes were interred in St. Paul’s Cathedral London.
So, as you stand before this plaque remember Max Beerbohm. Remember the artist the writer and the incomparable wit. He left an indelible mark on the world of art and literature. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain.