Walter Crane

Date of Birth: August 15, 1845

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: March 14, 1915

Biography

Walter Crane was a prominent English artist, illustrator, and designer, born on August 15, 1845. He is best known for his contributions to the Arts and Crafts Movement and his innovative children’s book illustrations. Crane’s work is characterized by his use of bright colors, imaginative designs, and a blend of classical and medieval styles. He was a contemporary of William Morris and shared Morris’s belief in the social and moral responsibilities of art. Crane’s illustrations often featured elaborate borders, intricate details, and harmonious compositions that captivated both children and adults alike. In addition to his work in book illustration, Crane was also a painter, a designer of wallpapers and textiles, and an advocate for social reform. Throughout his career, Walter Crane produced an extensive body of work that included illustrations for nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and poetry. Some of his most famous illustrated books include “The Baby’s Opera,” “The Baby’s Bouquet,” and “The Baby’s Own Aesop.” He was also an influential figure in the Socialist movement, using his art to promote social justice and workers’ rights. Crane’s legacy continues to influence artists and illustrators to this day, and his works are celebrated for their beauty, creativity, and social consciousness.

5 Interesting Facts about Walter Crane

1. Walter Crane was a founding member of the Art Workers’ Guild and the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society.

2. He illustrated an edition of Edmund Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene,” bringing the epic poem to life with his intricate designs.

3. Crane designed the iconic Socialist emblem of the red flag and the “Liberty” figure.

4. He was heavily influenced by Japanese art and this can be seen in his use of flat colors and bold outlines.

5. Crane was not only an artist but also an author, writing books on art theory and social reform.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walter Crane

1. “Art for art’s sake is a philosophy of the well-fed.”

2. “I believe that the art of the people is a necessity and that it is the duty of every artist to bring beauty into the lives of the masses.”

3. “To make the world more beautiful and humane, that is the aim of art.”

4. “The artist is not a special kind of person; rather each person is a special kind of artist.”

5. “True art is but the expression of our love for the beautiful.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures for Walter Crane’s net worth are not well-documented, his influence and contributions to the art world were invaluable and his works continue to be highly regarded and collected.

Children

Walter Crane had two children: Beatrice Crane and Lionel Crane. Beatrice followed in her father’s artistic footsteps, becoming a skilled illustrator and designer in her own right.