Flora's Feast...

This illustration comes from a book called Flora's Feast by the English illustrator and designer Walter Crane and is one of a pair of framed originals on my kitchen wall. I've had them for over 20 years but have to say I regret that the book they came from was cut up to make them.  For a while now I have wanted to find and own a copy of the complete original to save it from the same carnage. A few people have thought they are prints of Flower Fairies but I am quick to point out that they are illustrations of the Arts and Crafts movement as this wonderful illustration of a Daisy shows. There is a beautiful naturalist flow in Crane's work, which must have influenced the Art Nouveau movement, although he is quoted as having referred to this movement as  "the decorative disease known as L'Art Nouveau" - umm, I beg to differ Walter!

He served an apprenticeship as a wood engraver, or woodpecker as the tradesmen of the time were called, was a student of John Ruskin and worked with William Morris illustrating publications for Morris' Kelmscott Press. Walter illustrated many books including one about the New Forest, Hampshire's National Park and a place I love.

Like many of the artists of his group Crane also worked in other media and produced wonderful designs for stained glass, pottery, textiles and a mosaic frieze in the home of artist Lord Frederick Leighton. The house in Holland Park, London has been restored in the past couple of years and is well worth a visit if you are in Kensington and, like me, are a fan of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. I think  you will be totally enthralled by the beauty of the Arab hall.

The web site www.waltercrane.org.uk is very decorative and gives an good idea of his wonderful designs if  you are interested in seeing more.