‘Radiosities’

Ern Shaw’s (sometimes called Uncle Ern) humour and talent even led him to broadcasting a weekly feature on the 6KH Radio Relay Station at Hull between 1924-1931 called, ‘Radiosities’ From the radio studio he gave children grid references similar to ‘Dot to Dot’ to complete a drawing on a printed ruled grid which had been published in the ‘Hull Evening News’.

Examples of the grids

Ern Shaw's early work

Ern Shaw did not have the advantages of modern drawing technology but his drawings were produced using various grades of pens and brushes and his drawings were works of art in their own right. His style varied depending on the subject of his work but his use of bold clear strokes of his pen and use of bright colours was his hall mark.His first successful drawing published at the age of 12, was a result of him winning a competition organised by the Hull Times. His sketch of a building known as “Plum Pudding Hall” brought him five shillings and set Ern Shaw off on his amazingly productive career which spanned over 70 years.

At the end of the first world war Ern Shaw illustrated the book 'Good bye-ee' by Arthur Seymour depicting the humorous side of demobilisation.