Eric Ravilious (1903-1942) was an English painter, designer, and illustrator. He was born in London and studied at the Royal College of Art. Ravilious was known for his watercolor paintings of the English countryside, which often featured geometric shapes and patterns. He was also a skilled designer, creating ceramics, furniture, and book covers. During World War II, Ravilious served as an official war artist, documenting the war effort in Britain and the Middle East. He died in 1942 while on a mission as a war artist in Iceland. Ravilious' work is highly regarded for its unique style and attention to detail, and he is considered one of the most important British artists of the 20th century.