The Art of Walter Crane
Commissioned by the University of Rochester’s Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation (RBSCP), I created visual content to promote their rare historical materials on social media, aiming to boost engagement and community interest.
A. The Art of Walter Crane (Cover Page): A photo collage featuring Crane’s works, embellished with gold accents and floral motifs to showcase his artistic range and elegance.
B. Walter Crane in Wonderland: A keyhole design reveals Crane’s art in an “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired scene, celebrating his influence on children’s literature.
C. Walter Crane’s Art Gallery: A curated display of Crane’s colorful works in museum-style frames, reflecting his legacy in visual storytelling.
D, Walter Crane’s Lilies: A collage of Crane’s floral illustrations over a textured page, highlighting his blend of art and storytelling.
E. The Sound of Flower Horns: A joyful collage of Crane’s characters playing flower-shaped horns, infused with his whimsical literary style.
Figure 1: Crane, Beauty and the Beast, centerfold illustration, 1875
Research & Execution
In my graphic design course, we were commissioned by the University of Rochester’s Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation (RBSCP) to help promote their rare collection pieces on social media and increase engagement. Assigned The Art of Walter Crane by P.G. Konody (1902), I researched Crane’s work and created inspired visuals that paid homage to his influence on children’s literature and Victorian illustration.
Using scanned pages and Crane’s iconic imagery, I designed photo collages in Adobe Photoshop that evoke the magical, storybook quality of Crane’s art, drawing from themes like Alice in Wonderland, dreamlike castles, or garden-like aesthetics. The project aimed to capture Crane’s artistic legacy while inviting viewers into the enchanting world of one of the Victorian era’s most influential illustrators.
Product Visuals and Gathering Inspiration
As part of a project we were tasked with creating a social media caption to promote the object, using an educational approach to engage viewers. My description was approved and goes as follows:
Exploring "The Art of Walter Crane”
Step into the enchanting world of one of the most influential illustrators of the Victorian era! This beautifully produced volume, published by George Bell & Sons in 1902, serves as a definitive monograph on the esteemed British artist Walter Crane. Bound in decorative blue cloth, it features 24 exquisite chromolithographic plates and over 100 additional illustrations, showcasing Crane's pivotal role in the evolution of children's literature.
Walter Crane (1845–1915) was a prominent figure in the Victorian art scene and a key contributor to the Arts and Crafts movement. His innovative approach revolutionized children's book illustrations, transforming simple black-and-white designs into vibrant, gallery-quality artworks. Celebrated for his rich depictions of "child-in-the-garden" motifs, Crane's influence continues to resonate in the aesthetic landscape of English children's literature.
This volume not only honors Crane's artistic achievements but also includes tipped-in facsimile leaves from the Kelmscott Press edition of The Story of the Glittering Plain, highlighting his connections to broader artistic movements of his time. A vital addition for scholars and enthusiasts alike, this book invites readers to engage with the legacy of a visionary artist who redefined illustration and decorative arts.