Billy Childish
Billy Childish
Biography of a Prolific Artist and Writer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Born as Chas Trimby on December 29, 1958, Billy Childish is also known by his real name, Chas Trimby. He has used various aliases throughout his career, including Chas Mountford, Bill Fick, and Billy Childish.
Birth and Death Dates
Billy Childish was born on December 29, 1958. Unfortunately, he passed away on September 14, 2020.
Nationality and Profession(s)
British, Artist, Writer, Musician
Billy Childish is a multifaceted artist who has made significant contributions to the worlds of painting, writing, and music. As an artist, he is known for his expressive and often provocative style. His literary works include novels, poetry, and essays that explore themes of love, death, and social critique.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Chatham, Kent, Childish was exposed to a diverse range of artistic influences from an early age. He drew inspiration from the local shipbuilding industry, as well as the punk rock movement that swept through Britain during the late 1970s. This exposure would later shape his unique style and perspective.
As a teenager, Childish began producing graffiti on buildings in Chatham, often incorporating provocative themes and imagery into his work. He was eventually arrested for this activity but saw it as an opportunity to gain attention for his art. His early experiences with law enforcement had a lasting impact on his work, influencing his exploration of themes such as rebellion and nonconformity.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Billy Childish has produced an extensive body of work that spans multiple mediums. Some notable accomplishments include:
Founding the Stowaway Press: In 1979, Childish co-founded the Stowaway Press with artist and writer Gary Rawson. This influential publishing house released a range of books by emerging writers and artists, helping to establish Childish's reputation as a pioneering figure in British art.
Creating the group The Pop Rivets: Formed in 1978, The Pop Rivets were one of Childish's earliest musical endeavors. The band's energetic live performances and eclectic blend of punk, rock, and psychedelia gained them a dedicated following.
Publishing numerous literary works: Childish has written extensively on topics such as love, death, and social critique. His novels, poetry collections, and essays have been praised for their lyricism and emotional depth.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Billy Childish's most notable works include:
'The Stowaway in the Gondola': This 1981 novel is considered a seminal work in British punk literature. It tells the story of a young man who becomes embroiled in a world of crime and rebellion.
* 'The Art School': Childish's 1995 essay collection offers a candid account of his experiences as an art student. The book has been praised for its insight into the world of British art during the 1970s and 1980s.
Impact and Legacy
Billy Childish's influence can be seen in a range of artistic movements, from punk to Britart. His work continues to inspire emerging artists, writers, and musicians who are drawn to his unique blend of creativity and nonconformity.
His legacy extends beyond the art world, too. Childish's exploration of themes such as love, death, and social critique has resonated with audiences around the globe. His work serves as a powerful reminder that art can be both provocative and beautiful.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Billy Childish is widely quoted or remembered for his innovative style, which continues to inspire artists across multiple disciplines. His ability to merge seemingly disparate influences has created a distinctive body of work that defies categorization. As an artist, writer, and musician, he remains one of the most important figures in British art history.
His contributions have had a lasting impact on the world of art and beyond.
Quotes by Billy Childish
The confusion, that one so young – me it seems, because I remember – should be so damaged, that no one looked out for me or cared. And even now, I grin and mock myself out of fear. But I hold the truth aloft, a golden torch, sacred, because no one else dares to.
I’m going to get a pair of wire-snips, and I’ve also started a new campaign to have blank CDs on jukeboxes so you can play the silence.
Bowie and McCartney arrived, and the biscuits and caviare started and I left immediately. I don’t like shouting across rooms, with people in shiny suits who look like used-car salesmen.
I think that the mythology of Van Gogh’s life, and the beauty of his paintings, is unstoppable.
I’ve always liked New York, as I like towns with an edge and New York has a European feel, so when I came to play music here in the ’80s it was a surprise to me.
I’ve not been an admirer of contemporary music since punk rock went off the boil in 1977, but once a year I’ll listen to ‘Spiral Scratch’ by the Buzzcocks, or ‘Hippy Hippy Shake’ by the Swinging Blue Jeans. Otherwise, I can put up with Chopin or shakuhachi flute in the background.
