Randolph
Caldecott
(1846-1886)
Was one of the most
famous Victorian
illustrators, despite having rather a short working life. He was
born in Chester, and taught himself drawing as a child. His father,
a businessman, discouraged him from pursuing art as a career, and
enrolled him as a bank clerk in Shropshire.
He started to illustrate various journals, in
1872 going to
London, to study at the Slade School under Poynter. The following
year his illustrations for Washington Irving's Old Christmas, and
Bracebridge Hall took off in 1874. From this he was taken on by The
Graphic, and other magazines. In 1876 the first "Toy Book"
appeared. In 1885 he made an ill-fated trip to America for the sake
of his health. After a difficult voyage, he became sick and died in
Florida at the age of 40. All are unmounted and £8
each
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