The Budding Artist of Gravesend: The Early Triumphs of Frank Day

Genealogy Matters Atomic Tuesday Challenge: LOCAL LORE - Another wonderful challenge from

Robin Stewart

Long before his name was known beyond the school gates, my great-grandfather, Frank Day was already leaving a mark — not with noise or mischief, but with a quiet pencil and a keen eye for detail.

Born in Gravesend on 28 January 1878, Frank showed artistic promise from a young age. This gift didn’t go unnoticed. On June 27, 1885, The Gravesend Reporter noted Frank as a recipient of a certificate while at Darnley Street Elementary School — a modest but meaningful early recognition of his talent.

As Frank progressed in his education, so did his abilities. By 1891, he was a student at the Kempthorne Street Higher Grade Elementary School, known for nurturing both academic and creative achievement. That year, on April 11, 1891, The Gravesend Reporter published the results of the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony. Among the students honoured for their work was Frank Day, who received an award for drawing — further proof that his artistic talent

Perhaps the most telling recognition came just weeks later. On May 2, 1891, the Gravesend Reporter shared the outcome of a regional drawing examination held in February. The Higher Grade School had achieved the highest commendation possible: Excellent. Of the 19 boys who entered, 17 were listed as passing, including Frank Day.

In an era when educational honours were sparingly given, Frank Day’s repeated success in drawing stands out. Whether his artistic talent led to his later career choice as a painter is unclear. One thing is certain: Frank Day, with his sketchbook and steady hand, was already drawing his own future — one careful line at a time.

In case you’re wondering………….I have absolutely NO artistic talent whatsoever!

You can find out more about my great-grandfather Frank Day here:

The Life and Times of Frank Day