Born in Edinburgh, Charles won a scholarship to the Edinburgh College of Art in 1933, where he studied under DM Sutherland and SJ Peploe. In 1938 he had the unusual distinction of being made a Fellow of Edinburgh College of Art at the age of 31. Continued studies led him to Academie Colarossi in Paris and on his return he began exhibiting at the Royal Academy and with the London Group. Charles held one man shows in Manchester, Dublin, New York, Montreal and Winnipeg and was elected a member of the New English Arts Club in 1957. His work is represented in the Paisley Art Gallery and City of Edinburgh Collection.
