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Isaac Rosenberg was an east London artist best known for his war-time poems such as Returning, We Hear the Larks and Break of Day in the Trenches.

The son of Jewish immigrants originally from Lithuania, Rosenberg’s family came to London when he was aged eight and settled in the East End.

Isaac Rosenberg was one of a group of writers, artists and intellects who would regularly meet at the Whitechapel Library and the adjoining gallery. They were known as the ‘Whitechapel Boys’ and their meeting place dubbed the ‘University of the Ghetto’ because it was in one of London’s poorest areas.

As well as being a place to discuss art and ideas it offered warmth and light. Others who frequented the premises included artists Mark Gertler, David Bomberg and Rosenberg’s school friend Stephen Winsten, a writer.

After the outbreak of World War One, Rosenberg volunteered for military service, in part to provide financial assistance to his family.

Rosenberg was killed, near Arras, in April 1918. His remains are buried at Bailleul Road East Cemetery.

Location: Whitechapel Gallery, Whitechapel, London E1 7QZ
Image: Portrait of Isaac Rosenberg, courtesy of IWM

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