William Ernest Wightman (1889–1929) was a British illustrator whose work appeared in children's books and annuals during the 1920s. Born in Basford, Nottinghamshire, in 1889, he grew up in a family connected with design: his father worked as a lace designer. By 1911 Wightman was living in London and studying art.
His illustrations were intended for the lively world of children's publishing, where expressive drawing and a clear sense of narrative were especially valuable. His Matilda’s Doom appeared in The Chummy Book of 1924, an annual intended for younger readers. The dramatic title is characteristic of the stories and humorous incidents found in children's illustrated books of the period.
Wightman's professional career was comparatively short, extending through much of the 1920s. Nevertheless, he contributed to the visual culture of popular British children's publishing at a time when illustrated annuals were a familiar feature of family reading. He died in 1929, aged about 40.
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Wightman, William E. (1889-1929) - Matilda's Doom 1924
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