Natnael Askar

Natnael Askar (18th August 1842 – 1st August 1901) was an Ethiopian-born painter and illustrator.

Askar was born in Ethiopia’s then capital, Gondar, in 1842 to a coffee plantation worker, and moved with his family at an early age to Silverbay, Santa Maria. He studied fine art at Rockington University, before moving to London in 1863, where, under the tutelage of, he furthered his studies as the first member of of African heritage. Askar returned to The Waves in 1875 and established Rockington School of Art, now part of Rockington University. Like Firth, Askar would often base his paintings and illustrations on literary works by contemporary authors and is perhaps best known for his collaborations with Salvador Banks, for whom he illustrated several best-selling books, including Blinded in the Mist (1876), Rebels and Rats (1883), and Anger of the Angels (1888). Askar returned to Silverbay in 1894, purchasing the coffee plantation where he had spent his formative years, where opened The Silverbay Art Centre. Askar died in August 1901, leaving his works to the art gallery that would take on his name in his honour.