By MaKenzie LeMott
Arthur Rackham was born in September 1867 as the third surviving child of his family. Arthur’s passion for art was shown at a young age through his being given a paintbox before he could read. In 1884, Rackham enrolled at the Lambeth School of Art part-time while working as an insurance clerk. He also had his first published illustrations debut in the magazine Scraps.
Rackham traveled to Australia due to medical reasons and became inspired by the landscapes there. His watercolor painting of Winchelsea, Australia was accepted into the Royal Academy of Art in 1888. Rackham secured an illustration job at Westminster Budget Newspaper from 1892-1896. However, his work as a book illustrator is where his imagination truly shone.
At the turn of the century, Rackham found great success with his illustrated version of The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm (1909). His unique style (made with pen, India ink, and color washes) helped separate him from competitors. His illustrations of Rip van Winkle in 1905 garnered success in America.
Throughout the early 20th century, Rackham would go on to illustrate many classic tales, painting himself as a distinct illustrator of the Edwardian period. He continued to illustrate until his death in September 1939.
James Stephens, Irish Fairy Tales (London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd, 1920) Tulane University Special Collections PR6037.T4 I7