P. Scott Hollander

William Matthew Scott, who wrote under the pen name Will Scott, was a British author active from 1920 to 1965. Born in Leeds in 1893, he initially pursued a career as an artist and caricaturist before becoming a prolific writer. Scott's literary output spanned various genres, including detective novels and stage plays, some of which were adapted into films. He also contributed an estimated 2,000 short stories to magazines and newspapers, a number believed to be a UK record at the time.

Towards the latter part of his life, Scott gained recognition for his children's book series, The Cherrys, which ran from 1952 to 1965. His personal life was marked by periods of ill health, which influenced his move to Herne Bay, Kent, seeking cleaner air. He was described as a private individual who actively participated in local community life, notably directing an amateur dramatic society and creating an emblem for Herne Bay. Scott passed away in 1964, with his extensive body of work serving as his primary memorial.

Born William Matthew Scott in Leeds in 1893, his parents were William, a joiner, and Eliza Anne, a dressmaker. The family lived in working-class areas of Leeds, experiencing the challenging environmental conditions of the time, including proximity to industrial pollution and historical epidemics. Scott's early life was shaped by this environment, though opportunities for education and community were also present. He began his artistic journey early, with his first drawing published at age 14. He trained as a lithographic artist apprentice and worked as a caricaturist in Leeds before moving to London, where he contributed to publications like the Performer magazine.

Scott's career as a writer began in earnest after moving to Herne Bay, Kent, where he focused on becoming a full-time author, though he continued to be identified as a journalist. His prolific output included detective novels, stage plays that were adapted into films, and an extraordinary volume of short stories, estimated at over 2,000, a feat considered a record in the United Kingdom. He also utilized pseudonyms such as "Anthony Grey" and "Wensley Smith" in addition to his primary pen name, Will Scott.

In his later years, Scott became widely known for The Cherrys series, a collection of children's books published between 1952 and 1965. These books were written for his grandchildren and were inspired by his surroundings in Herne Bay. Scott was characterized as a shy and private person who avoided public attention, yet he was involved in local activities, directing the amateur dramatic society 'The Mask Players' for a decade and designing an emblem for Herne Bay. His health was often precarious, and he died in 1964, leaving behind a legacy primarily through his extensive literary contributions.

“his only memorial is his work”

“Mr Scott was a true citizen of Herne Bay who had not received due recognition”

“After being a cartoonist, an art critic, an art editor and a drama critic, Will Scott settled down as a fiction writer.”

“He has written over 2,000 short stories, which is believed to be a record for this country.”

“When his own daughters were small he wrote plays and books, all for grown ups. It was grandchildren who turned his thoughts to books for young readers.”