Fairies, myths and whimsy in illustrated books
The Golden Age of Illustration spanned just 30 years, when improvements in literacy created demand, and advances in printing technology allowed publishers to produce lavish colour illustrations for the first time.
An enduring art form during the Victorian era, it reached its creative and commercial peak in the early 20th century. Many renowned artists got their start producing pictures for children's books and literary magazines during that Golden Age.
This was the time when Illustrations brought fairy tales, myths, and classic literature to life, with imaginative, detailed, and often whimsical or eerie art, making books cherished objects.
THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER
Dr Emma Watts
Dr. Emma Watts is an Art Historian with specialist interest in late nineteenth and early twentieth century British Art and Visual Culture. Her career began in the fine art auction world and she has since had a successful academic career in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong.
Dr. Watts is passionate about access to the fine arts and its education. She has developed National, tertiary and adult education curricula and been active in policy, planning, education and advisory boards for Heritage, Arts and Museums and curatorial and collection management in Australia and the UK.
She is currently enjoying the diversity of consultancy, through lecturing with the Open University, writing, and advising on fine art valuation, probate and sale.
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