Alphabet of old friends

Along with Kate Greenaway and Randolph Caldecott, Walter Crane was one of the most popular illustrators of the late 19th century. In 1863 he began working with the colour printer Edmund Evans, who was greatly impressed by Crane's talent. Initially Crane worked on a series of toy books for the publishers George Routledge and Frederick Warne such as The railway Alphabet and his New Toy Book published in 1873.

These books brought his work to the public's attention and with Evans as printer Crane was able to consider more ambitious work. The Baby's Opera, The Baby's Bouquet and The Baby's Own Aesop issued between 1877 and 1887 reflect this. Goody Two Shoes picture book published in 1884 is particularly lavish with its use of colour, including gold.

Crane was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and also by Japanese art. He became a member of the Arts and Crafts Movement, worked with William Morris and his Kelmscott Press and was a designer of wallpaper: this is often evident in the design of his children's books. He later became Principal of the Royal College of Art and Design.

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