By Aileen Mannion
Edmund Dulac, known for his brilliant Art Nouveau illustrations, did not start his life off on an artistic path. Born in Toulouse, France on October 22, 1882, Dulac had his sights set on being a lawyer. Two years into his legal studies at the University of Toulouse, Dulac had a stark change of heart and enrolled full time at the École des Beaux Arts in 1900. He moved to London in 1904 at 22 years old where he acquired a job as an illustrator for the publishing company “J.M. Dent.” He began by illustrating for the late, great Brontë sisters; it was uncommon for a young artist to be given such a prestigious position.
Dulac adapted to life in the UK, changing the spelling of his name from the original ‘Edmond’ to ‘Edmund.’ UK life embraced him as well, evidenced by his immediate success. He became a member of the London Sketch Club and the St. John’s Art Club. Through his hard work, he landed his dream job with Leicester Galleries and Hodder & Stoughton publishing company. Dulac continued to grow and began illustrating independently; in his later years he branched out into costume and set design for the theater.
Edmund Dulac, Edmund Dulac’s Fairy-Book: Fairy Tales of the Allied Nations (London, New York: Hodder & Stoughton, 1916) Tulane University Special Collections PZ8.D886