WALTER CRANE
Collection of 5 Original Works
5 x Pen & Ink with Watercolour

1859-1890

Walter Crane (British 1845-1915)

Collection of Original Art

5 Original works spanning much his life, including an early religious sketch dated 1859 when Crane was only 14. This was only the beginning of what would become a long and prolific career as a professional artist and illustrator, later becoming one of the fathers of the Arts and Crafts movement. All 5 works are circa 1859-1890.

All original illustrations by Crane, in pen & ink with watercolours and gouache. 4 of them are signed with one of Crane's monograms/symbols with the 'Alphabet' illustration being the most Crane-like in style. All are guaranteed as originals by Crane.

The 5 illustrations were acquired in a makeshift folder with the following inscribed on the cover: 'These I bought at Auction with [Mo] about 1965?-at the same time I purchased the Queen Anne chair in the hall etc. (From the estate of Col.[Colonel]-? who had moved into this area from Montreal.) EW.'

Individual measurements of actual image in order of appearance in photographs:

1) 83/4 x 63/4 inches (Note: A young Crane began his career drawing Bible illustrations)

2) 81/8 x 63/8 inches

3) 8 x 55/8 inches (Note: Pasted mid-illustration is a handwritten poem in Crane's hand)

4) 77/8 x 61/4 inches

5) 51/4 x 35/8 inches

Walter Crane, son of artist Thomas Crane, was from the famed  Golden Age of Illustration, figuring prominently among other legendary illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Kate Greenaway, Randolph Caldecott, Aubrey Beardsley, etc.

Crane enjoyed a close friendship with William Morris, the founder of the esteemed Kelmscott Press, established in 1891. The very first title from Kelmscott was The Story of the Glittering Plain, which Morris had wanted Crane to illustrate. Unfortunately, Crane wasn't able to finish the artwork on time, leading Morris to publish the book without illustrations. Later, in 1894, The Story of the Glittering Plain saw a second release, this time expanded and adorned with 23 woodcuts created by Crane. Notably, it remains the only title to have been printed twice by Kelmscott.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Crane

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