Randolph Caldecott (1846 – 1886)

Caldecott was born in Chester England on March 22nd, 1846. He drew animals throughout his childhood, and in 1861 his first illustration was published, an account and drawing of a disastrous fire, in the Illustrated London News. After leaving school at the age of 15 Caldecott worked in banking, later attending the Manchester School of Art at night, publishing illustrations in mostly local papers. In 1870 he began drawing for the publication London Society, and in 1872 he quit his job and moved to London to draw full time. In 1877 Edmund Evans, a leading color printer, asked Caldecott to illustrated two children's books for Christmastime, each priced for a shilling, an annual job Caldecott continued until his death in 1886. The first of these books were "The House That Jack Built," and "The Diverting History of John Gilpin." Caldecott went on to illustrate many books, including two titles for Washington Irving, and by 1884 his book sales had soared and he was internationally famous. Unfortunately, suffering from ill health for most of his life, Caldecott died while traveling to Florida with his wife of four years, Marian Brind - he was not even forty years old.

During his lifetime Caldecott doodled on letters and documents, many of which were compiled in "Yours Pictorially," edited by Michael Hutchins.

The Caldecott Medal, which beginning in 1937 recognizes the preceding year's "most distinguished American picture book for children" was named in his honor.