I’m always on the look out for awesome public domain art to curate, so I check in to see who’re the latest artists to enter the public domain. 2015 has already brought William Heath Robinson into the mix. I really love his imaginative illustrations and cartoons. A beloved British illustrator, Robinson illustrated Hans Christen Andersen Fairytale books, publications and newspapers, books, and became known for a series of whimsical drawings of imaginative Contraptions. With Robinson’s work in the public domain, this opens up a world of possibilities for fellow artists, teachers, designers, and anyone working on a creative project.
Who Was William Heath Robinson?
Fun Facts
- Was born in 1872 to a family of artists
- His father, Thomas, and both his brothers, Thomas Heath and Charles, all worked as illustrators
- William Heath Robinson illustrated several classic children’s books, most notably ‘A Midsummer’s Night Dream’, ‘Twelfth Night’, and Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales.
- He wrote three children’s books of his own, The Adventures of Uncle Lubin, Bill The Minder and Peter Quip in Search of a Friend.
- He became particularly known for his contraptions and inventions illustrations
- Learn more about Robinson’s life over at Wikipedia!