Arthur Rackham (1867 – 1939, British) was born in Lewisham, one of 12 children. At 17, he went to Australia for health reasons. A year later he started working as a clerk at the Westminster Fire Office and began studying at the Lambeth School of Art. In 1892, he started working as a reporter and illustrator for the Westminster Budget. By 1893, Rackham had published his first book illustrations and after illustrating The Prisoner of Zenda, he never turned back. It was his illustrations of Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle in 1905 that brought him notoriety. However, Rackham also exhibited his works, particularly at the Louvre in Paris.
Rackham’s work is seen as a fusion between northern European style and Japanese woodblock techniques used in the early 19th century. His images are highly graphic and detailed. As a cat lover, his illustrations capture the true wildness and charm of the feline characters he depicted.
Rackham’s drawings are still very popular today. Many of his images are used as greeting cards, and his works are sought after by major international auction houses. Walt Disney was inspired by his work and Tim Burton even bought the illustrator’s house.
Arthur Rackham succumbed to cancer in 1939 at his home in Limpsfield, Surrey.
Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland
Nothing but Cats illustration
By Day She Made Herself into a Cat, 1920
Cat and Imp
Hansel and Gretel Cat
The Cat Pounces
Tomasso the cat confronts Loretta the parrot
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