John Worsley studied under Stanley Anderson at Goldsmiths and joined up in 1939 as a midshipman on an armed merchant cruiser. When the Laurentic was sunk off Ulster, he survived to paint the incident. He conributed work to the War Artists' Advisory Committee, eventually appointed an Official War Artist in the Mediterranean. Taken prisoner he made an invaluable record of Marlag 0 Camp in Germany which he managed to smuggle back to England after escape using the legendary papier mache head which was portrayed in the film Albert RN. Much represented in the Imperial War Museum.

In 1972 Worsley was commissioned to illustrate Treasure Island, published in 1975 by Golden Press. This is the original gouache illustration, signed, and dated 1972. The book is not included in the sale but is easily available for under £5.00. The original illustration measures 19" x 25". Excellent condition.