Lot 141

(3) Walter Crane ALSs With Superb Content Re: Arts & Crafts Movement, Plus Artistic, Literary & Exhibition! 1884-1906

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(3) Walter Crane ALSs With Superb Content Re: Arts & Crafts Movement, Plus Artistic, Literary & Exhibition! 1884-1906

Estimate: $400 - $500

Current Bid: $200

(3 Bids)

by University Archives
July 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
88 Danbury Road
Suite 2A
Wilton, CT, US 06897

Walter Crane
London, England, February 7, 1884 - May 3, 1906
(3) Walter Crane ALSs With Superb Content Re: Arts & Crafts Movement, Plus Artistic, Literary & Exhibition! 1884-1906
Archive

A group of three autograph letters signed by British illustrator Walter Crane (1845-1915), featuring a total of three signatures as "Walter Crane" and a bonus partial signature when writing out his wife's name as "Mrs. Crane" in one of the letters. Dated February 7, 1884; December 15, 1899; May 3, 1906. London, England. On various paper mounts including a postcard, which will be elaborated below. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, toning, and ghost ink impressions or fingerprints, otherwise very good to near fine. The largest item measures 4.375" x 7.125".

The lot includes:

1. A 2pp autograph letter signed by Crane as "Walter Crane" at the conclusion. February 7, 1884. Beaumont Lodge, Shepherd's Bush, London, England. Minor to moderate mounting traces, glue residue, and paper abrasions along the edges. Inscribed on two leaves of different sizes, the first page measuring 4.375" x 7.125" and the second page measuring 4.375" x 6.25".

Crane addressed this letter to Benjamin Austin, Secretary of the Northwestern Library and Historical Society of Sioux City, Iowa, an organization which collected autographed material and photographs of celebrities, active ca. 1883-1894. Crane gratefully accepts the organization's honorary membership, and refers to one of his latest works, "The Sirens Three." This epic poem was accompanied by Crane's eerie wood engraving illustrations, and was published in serialized form in the "English Illustrated Magazine" in 1895. It was published in book form by Macmillan & Co. the following year.

2. A 2pp autograph letter twice signed by Crane, the first time as "Walter Crane" at the conclusion, and a second partial signature as "Mrs. Crane" when referring to his wife on line 3. December 15, 1899. [London, England.] On watermarked bifold stationery with an Arts & Crafts inspired letterhead in burgundy. With partially erased pencil inscriptions on the first page and minor grubbiness to the edges and outside leaf. 5" x 6.875".

In this letter, Crane regretfully declines attending an event and admits he does not have any photographs to share. He refers his correspondent to Charles Holme, founding editor of "The Studio: An Illustrated Magazine of Fine and Applied Art," for photograph clichés, as well as to the back office of "The Architectural Review," a magazine established in 1896 in London. In part: "You are welcome to reproduce any of my works in an Arts & Crafts exhibition but it would be necessary for you to obtain permission from other exhibitors…"

3. A 1p autograph letter signed by Crane as "Walter Crane" at the conclusion. May 3, 1906. 13, Holland Street, Kensington, London, England. Inscribed in the blank message section of a pre-printed postcard. 4.5" x 3.5".

Crane reports to one Miss Linda Weiss in Munich that he cannot obtain admission for her to the upcoming exhibition, "A Catalogue of the Works of Contemporary German Artists in London," to be held at Prince's Gallery, Knightsbridge, opening May 24, 1906. Walter Crane had provided the watercolor design for the exhibition poster, and wrote the preface to the exhibition catalog.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: largest: 4.375" x 7.125"
  • Medium: Archive

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000