By Dustin Godbey
Walter Crane, born in Liverpool in 1845, was the first pioneer to integrate fine art into children’s stories. His father was a portrait painter, and secretary/treasurer of the Liverpool Academy of Art; he apprenticed young Walter to William James Linton in 1859. In 1862 Crane finished his apprenticeship and worked for the London Society until 1870 with Edmund Evans, illustrating children’s books for the publisher Routledge and Son.
After marrying in 1871 (and having 3 children), Crane took a 2-year hiatus. He then illustrated 14 picture books and designed ceramics for Wedgewood and the London Decorating Company.
In 1876, he and his sister Lucy created The Baby’s Opera, a major success; The Baby’s Bouquet; and The Baby’s Own Aesop in 1886, after his sister’s death, with W.J. Linton contributing.
From 1886-1912 he gained international recognition for his art in Britain, Italy, and the U.S. He was a teacher, president of an arts society, and won two gold medals at art exhibitions before his death in 1915.
Walter Crane, Bluebeard (London, New York: John Lane, 1899) Tulane University Special Collections NC1115 .C915