An Artist's Reminiscences

This highly illustrated 1907 autobiography traces Crane's life as an illustrator and decorative artist, working in many styles and genres.

Walter Crane (Author)

9781108075718, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 December 2014

610 pages, 114 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 3.4 cm, 0.77 kg

Walter Crane (1845–1915) is best remembered today as the illustrator of whimsical stories for children, but in fact he worked in many styles and genres throughout his life. The son of a painter, he was apprenticed to a wood engraver at the age of thirteen, and his father died shortly afterwards. By the time his apprenticeship was completed, Crane was painting as well as engraving, and joined the circle of the Pre-Raphaelites, being especially influenced by the politics of William Morris and the aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts movement. This highly illustrated 1907 autobiography traces his life from his childhood in Torquay through the difficult period following his father's death to his success as an illustrator and decorative artist, describing work, politics and travel. Crane may have felt that he was not given recognition as a serious painter, but this engaging account of a happy life does not show it.

Preface
List of illustrations
List of plates
1. Of early life and associations, Torquay, 1845–57
2. Removal to London, 1857, and early experiences there until 1859
3. Apprenticeship to W. J. Linton, 1858–62
4. Early work, 1862–70
5. Marriage and visit to Italy, 1871–3
6. Life in the 'bush', 1873–9
7. Record of work - Italy revisited, 1880–4
8. Art and socialism, 1885–90
9. Bohemia - Italy - visit to America, 1890–2
10. Kensington - Hungary - Italy, 1892–1903
Index.

Subject Areas: The arts: general issues [AB]