Intrigued by our Halloween posters? Learn more about Arthur Rackham within the AU Library collections

 

 

     You may have noticed the posters that the Library put up for its Trick or Treat display. We thought that they were the perfect tone for the night! You might not know however that those illustrations were drawn by Arthur Rackham, and that the AU Library has over 40 books that he illustrated in our Special Books Collection!

Arthur Rackham was one of the most prominent, and most popular, artists during the “Golden Age of Illustration” which is roughly 1890 to WWI. His unique style and the distinct look of his ink and watercolor illustrations stand out, and took advantage of the new printing technologies that allowed publishers to include color illustrations. 

    Rackham illustrated over 47 books including classics like Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland, and Rip Van Winkle. His illustrations were often included in deluxe editions that were published on vellum and signed (these were usually even as Christmas gifts), as well as on smaller trade printings of the books.

After his death in 1939, his works remained very popular. His images has been widely used by the greeting card industry and many of his books are still in print. In fact, Director Guillermo del Toro cites Rackham as an influence in “The Faun” in Pan’s Labryrinth.

        So what do you think of Rackham’s illustrations? Have you seen them before in one of your childhood favorites? Does his artistic style still match with the fantasy and fables he illustrated almost 100 years ago? Which one is your favorite?