Charles Dyson was born on Stannington View Road in Crookes, on the edge of the Rivelin Valley. He began work as a bricklayer at age 15 but later became an engine stoker in the Royal Navy and served during World War Two. Some of his early works were apparently inspired by visits to the Ruskin Museum at Meersbrook Park in Sheffield. His works were never intended for display, they were simply sketches and studies undertaken for his personal enjoyment.

He was obviously mentored, presumably within the artists’ colony and probably influenced by Robert Scott-Temple (see details elsewhere in this document). His work shows possible use of models and some trips out suggesting a degree of organisation. 

Michael Dyson, son of Charles, has written about his father and drawn together his artwork in a document “The Paintings and Drawings of Charles Edwin Dyson 1912–1991”. This document also includes reference to the Artists’ Colony at the Rivelin Corn Mill.