Don Madden I

You catch me in the midst of a crazy researching and purchasing of vintage books. Of course I have collected vintage books for years now, and shared them with you here, but now, I am hyper vigilant for books and illustrators I was previously unaware of, and then chasing down all of their publications. 

'Why Frogs Are Wet' written by Judy Hawes, is an explanation of frog lifecycles which has breathtakingly beautiful illustrations by Don  Madden, (1927- 2024). Published in1968 by T.Y. Crowell Co. 

With this book I have a new love a new favourite illustrator because these pictures are just so stunning!

Don Madden graduated from the Philadelphia Museum School of Art in 1950. His father William J. Madden was a Violinist and a magician, and nurtured and supported Don’s creative flair. Having graduated Don worked in teaching, advertising and for magazines such a playboy, he had a wicked sense of humour which shows through in his work.  

Ed Emberley VI

 '

The Bottom of the Sea', written by Augusta Goldin, illustrated by Ed Emberley published in 1968. Limited palette illustrations and black and white watercolours full of fun and joy.

David Gentleman II

'Saint George and the Dragon' a mummers book by John Langstaith illustrated with woodcuts by David Gentleman, published in 1973 by Atheneum. I adore the dragon! which seems more like a lizard and all of the references to different folk traditions.  The illustrations are very bold black designs slightly offset over blocks of colour.

David Gentleman I

 

AS far as I could research, this is the work of David Gentleman for Time and Tune BBC 1967. David Gentleman is a printmaker who studied art and painting at the Royal College of Art under Edward Bawden and John Nash. He has works in watercolour, lithography and wood engraving.

Brian Wildsmith XVII

'The Lion and the Rat' a fable by Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695), illustrated by Brian Wildsmith published 1964 by London Oxford University Press.

Brian Wildsmith XVI

 

 

Some lovely animals from Brian Wildsmiths', 'Animals to Count', published in 1996.