Biography
Who was Walter Crane?
Walter Crane was an artist and writer who lived between 1845 and 1915. He designed all kinds of things, including books, wallpapers, textiles, clothing and ceramics. Walter also painted many pictures and produced political cartoons for the Socialist Party.
Childhood
Walter Crane was born in Liverpool on 15 August, 1845 to Thomas Crane and Marie Kearsley.
Walter’s Father, Thomas, was an artist who often painted landscapes, animals and portraits. He also illustrated a number of books, including the nursery rhyme, ‘The History of Mr Pig and Miss Crane' which was published in 1836.
Because of his father’s bad health, Walter and his family went to live by the sea in Torquay when he was only three months old. Walter’s happy childhood in Torquay was often spent watching the boats coming into the harbour, visiting circuses, catching butterflies and playing on the fun-fair.
When Walter was 11, he and his brother were sent to a boys’ school. The schoolmaster, Mr Page, was very strict and often used his cane to beat the children. Walter didn’t like his school and particularly dreaded mathematics.
Walter showed his artistic talent at a young age and often sat in his father’s studio, drawing portraits of gentlemen wearing fancy tartan or floral waistcoats. His father encouraged him to draw and had many art books and prints which Walter liked to look at.
As Thomas Crane’s health improved, the family decided to move to London in 1857. When Walter left his school, he handed out drawings of medieval knights and battles to his school friends.
When Walter and his family moved to London, his parents decided that he didn’t need to go to school and could be taught at home. Walter was very pleased, as this meant he could spend more time sketching.
Apprenticeship
When Walter was 14 he became the apprentice of the famous engraver, William James Linton. Apprentices worked for their masters for a number of years. Walter was set to work drawing pictures onto blocks of wood. The engravers would then carve the image into the wood to make a print.
Usually, the parents of the apprentice had to pay for them to work with their masters. As Linton was so impressed with Walter’s work, he didn’t take any payment from his father.
Walter often drew scenes from everyday subjects and was occasionally sent out as a press artist to record important events like courtroom scenes. Although Walter found this interesting, his shyness meant that he hated drawing in public.
Marriage & Children
Walter married his wife, Mary Frances Andrews, in 1871. After their marriage, Mary and Walter went on honeymoon to Italy and didn’t return until two years later!
Their first child, Beatrice, was born in 1873. Their two sons, Lionel and Lancelot were born in 1876 and 1880. Mary and Walter also had two other children who died when they were very young. Walter’s family can often be seen in his book illustrations and paintings
Black Books
When Walter’s children were young, he often drew pictures and wrote stories just for them. These were often drawn in small notebooks with black covers. This is why they are known as ‘black books’. In these pictures, Walter would make up stories based on what the children had done, turning their daily lives into picture books.
Read more about Black Books
Costume
Walter was very interested in costume and designed clothing, some of which was for members of his own family. He also enjoyed fancy dress and often had costume parties at his own house.
Read more about Costume
Work
Walter Crane produced a large variety of work throughout his life including paintings, ceramics, textiles and political cartoons. He also designed entire rooms for people, including wallpapers, curtains, carpets, ornaments and furniture.
Walter was always working, thinking up new ideas for paintings, books and designs and sketching wherever he went. He also taught art and design at various places including the Royal College of Art, London and Manchester Art School.
Walter was highly regarded both in the UK and abroad. He won several international awards for his work and had many exhibitions in places like America, Hungary and Germany.
