Crane, Walter (1845-1915), was an English artist who became famous for his illustrations for children’s books. Crane’s illustrations are noted for their flat colors and attention to details of clothing and objects. The artist’s bold, simple compositions reflect his interest in Japanese prints.
Crane was best known for his pictures for more than 30 toy books, which were small volumes of nursery rhymes and fairy tales for young children. His toy books include Sing a Song of Sixpence (1866), Beauty and the Beast (1874), Little Red Riding Hood (1875), and Aladdin (1875). Crane created some of his best illustrations for two books of nursery rhymes set to music by his older sister, Lucy. The books were called The Baby’s Opera (1877) and The Baby’s Bouquet (1878).
Crane also created illustrations for adult books, as well as oil paintings, murals, and posters. In addition, he designed tapestries and wallpaper. He was born on Aug. 15, 1845, in Liverpool. He died on March 14, 1915.
