Written by special guest writer Vicky.
Norman Rockwell’s candid interpretations of American life and Haddon Sundblom’s iconic ‘Coca-Cola’ Santa and sexy ‘cheesecake pinup’ girls are the images that have come to define popular 20th century illustration. And deservedly so, for these images are at once attractive, thought-provoking and deeply profound reflections of 20th century concerns and attitudes.
But there are many artists who have contributed to illustration, and yet whose names remain known only on an esoteric level. This article is dedicated to them and the fantastic works they produced.
Nancy Ekholm Burkert
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Nancy Ekholm Burkert is a remarkable illustrator whose skilled draftsmanship and ethereal, fibrous images were perfectly suited to the great literary fantasists she worked with and for. Hans Christian Andersen, Roald Dahl and Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are some of the writers whose creations were brought to life by Burkert. But it is arguably her work for the first edition of James and the Giant Peach that ranks among Burkert’s finest. For Dahl she created a delicate, atmospheric series of illustrations that underline her dedication to depth, feel and chiaroscuro.
James and the Giant Peach – the story of a lonely, subjugated boy who discovers adventure at the bottom of the garden – would prove the perfect subject matter for Burkert, who herself endured a lonely childhood and retreated into a world of art and imagination. Nancy Ekholm Burkert was born in 1933 and in 2013 earned an exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art; an honour that puts her in the illustrious company of another (better known) illustrator, Maurice Sendak.
Edward Ardizzone
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Welcome, ladies and gentleman, to the forgotten world of Edward Ardizzone. Forgotten for two reasons: the first is that we have forgotten the name of this wonderful illustrator. The second is that we have forgotten the world of rural charm and provincial innocence that Ardizzone created. As with Nancy Ekholm Burkert, Ardizzone worked in the medium of children’s literature – but there the similarities end. Ardizzone’s illustrations, shades of which can be seen in the more famous works of Quentin Blake and Raymond Briggs, are soft and whimsical; suffused in a muted color palette and always with the impression of movement.
Edward Ardizzone also illustrated for H.E Bates, Anthony Trollope and Clive King (Stig of the Dump), and in the 1950s he created a series of (now collectible) telegrams for The Post Office. His illustrations - lovingly faithful to a Britain that existed many years ago – could be a result of his unsettled childhood; he was born in Vietnam to a British mother and an Italian father. Ardizzone died in 1979 of a heart attack in his home in Kent.
George Barbier
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The elegant, statuesque – and occasionally rubenesque – figures of George Barbier’s neo-classical inspired illustrations were perfectly suited to the fashion houses and theaters that gave him his first commissions. A primary member of the ‘knights of the bracelets’ (the French equivalent of the Bright Young Things) Georges Barbier’s rise to prominence was remarkable, and his vibrant, art deco style captivating. More than any other artist or illustrator he captured the spirit and the style of the French bourgeoisie. He worked extensively with the famous ‘Folies Bergère’ theater and eventually diversified from fashion and theatrical illustration to literature and wallpaper design.
Barbier was in his early fifties when he died in 1932 - he had been at the very height of his success. But post-Barbier France would see the rise of new artistic movements when interest in Art Deco faded out as the social hierarchy began to change. The influence of this illustrator, however, would prove irrepressible. Even today you don’t need to look too far to find Barbier; his is a style woven into the very fabric of popular French culture.
Illustration has changed drastically with the advent of technology, but this is not necessarily a bad thing as more opportunities and possibilities have been opened up to budding artists. But it is important to remember and honor these fantastic illustrators and the foundations they have laid for us.
Vicky works alongside Stuart Morris Design Studio, she is a keen arts and crafts enthusiast who particularly enjoys drawing, sewing and candle making!
(Source: draftingtableworld)
