Walter Crane was undoubtedly one of the most influential artists in last two centuries. He was not only a painter and illustrator of numerous books and magazines, he also designed tiles, wallpapers, pottery, was one of the founding members of Arts and Crafts movement which revolutionized attitude towards art, a tutor, a lecturer, a writer, an educator and a devoted socialist who among other things set one of the most important milestones in the history of picture books.
(intro image: portrait of Walter Crane by George Frederic Watts, all used images are in public domain)
What an art of Walter Crane means to you?
Yellow Books were inexpensive picture books offered at train stations at the beginning of the 20th century. They were very commercially oriented.
Your first image for your first fact constitutes quite an impressive image. All the woodland greenery makes me think in a way that the Lady of Shalott was fulfilling her natural destiny in some way (not a way that I'd want at such a young age and without living all the opportunities that life offers us).
Under the image you mention Walter Crane illustrating "yellow" books. What would those be?
I agree with you, WriterArtist, old works posses special charm. I think we can all find our personal reasons why is that, but the fact is, great stuff never completely falls out of favor:) Walter Crane definitely belongs in this category!
How different and artistic Walter Crane's art is from the modern art which I never had the patience to understand and appreciate - I love these colorful illustrations. Somehow; I find more beauty in the old paintings and story books. Don't we still enjoy Snow White and Cinderella. I have to say that I am mesmerized with old.
Thanks, Mira, Walter Crane is not my favorite illustrator, but I admire his dedication and especially his philosophy which actually created whole new media - high quality picture books. While we'll always find products with some kind of short-cuts, there will always be publishers who''ll look at standard which were set by him.
I enjoyed this. I think I've seen his illustrations at the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. Nice read!
Thanks for your visit, burntchestnut. I learned a lot about history, geography and economy by reading old story books and exploring the stories from their backstage. It can be pretty amusing experience.
The pleasure was all mine, Thamisgith:)
His map of the British Empire is impressive! Some of his artwork you show seems familiar, so I'm sure I've seen it before but never knew who the artist was. I like to look through old books and now I'll pay attention to who drew the illustrations.
Thanks for a very interesting read!