This is the story of Eloise Wilkin, one of the most talented children’s book illustrators ever to live.
Eloise Margaret Burns was born on March 30, 1904 in Rochester, New York. Her home was full of love, with two older siblings and one more to arrive after Eloise’s birth. When she was two the family moved to New York City but summer vacations were spent with relatives in western New York State.
Eloise’s artistic talent emerged early in life. She won an art contest for NY children at the age of eleven.
Eloise attended the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute and graduated in 1923. That school, founded nearly a century earlier in 1829, is now better known as Rochester Institute of Technology.
This photo of Eloise Wilkin was taken soon after she graduated from college. At that time she and her friend, Joan Easley, set up an art studio together in Rochester. Joan Easley is not known for her art but is still remembered as co-writer of several books. One of her stories, The Visit, was illustrated by Eloise Wilkin.
Their art studio failed to bring in contracts while located in Rochester, so they moved on to New York City. There, Eloise got her first break. The Century Company, a subsidiary of Charles Scribner’s Sons (now known as Scribner & Scribner), asked Eloise Wilkin to illustrate The Shining Hours. I have not been able to find a trace of this book or the author. If you have any information about it, please leave a comment below.
Of course, at that time, Eloise was still known as Eloise Burns. She didn’t marry Sidney Wilkin until August 18, 1930. Then she took ten years off work to raise her four children: Ann Wilkin Murphy, Sidney Wilkin, Deborah Wilkin Springett, and Jeremy Wilkin.
Eloise Wilkin is one of my favorite illustrators of children’s books.
A wonderful video about Eloise Wilkin and her art, created by her local historical society:
References:
Celebrating Eloise Wilkin’s Golden Career – article about a speech by her son.
Eloise Margaret Burns Wilkin – at the FindaGrave website.
Eloise Wilkin – Wikipedia page.
A Lovely Time Not Very Long Ago… Thank You, Eloise Wilkin – blog article.
Little Golden Books Timeline – at the Randomhouse book site.
Storybook House Connects Professor, Alumna – about Eloise Wilkin’s childhood home, featured in her art work.
Little Golden Books – Geneva Historical Society.
Today I shopped in Hobby Lobby, in Spokane Valley, Washington. I wish I could say I do this frequently, but I’ve actually never been in a Hobby Lobby store before. It was awesome – the perfect kind of place for a “creative” like me. I spent most of my time in the arts and crafts sections.
While roaming the store I saw a sign – it said, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” Well, isn’t that inspiring? Why not just let ourselves be ourselves without wanting to be like anyone else? I love that idea.
Eloise Wilkin’s amazing art didn’t come about by trying to draw like anyone else. She had her own unique style and talent.
I bought some of the Little Golden Books she illustrated, and read them repeatedly to my young children long ago. After a while I noticed how idyllic the scenes were in Eloise Wilkin books, and how adorable the precious children! This is how I became aware of this amazing artist. And once I noticed the unique nature of her work and came to love the work she did, I bought more and treasured her art work.
If she’d tried to be like everyone else, what a talent we would have missed. What a joy to our hearts that she lived.
Like Eloise Wilkin, just be you. There’s no need to be like anyone else.
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Hi, I am a huge fan of Eloise Wilkins. I didn’t discover until now that her maiden name was Burns. In learning this, I may have solved a mystery of a set of 5 vintage framed prints I have that I’ve been researching to find the artist. The original drawings that I found online are signed E BURNS 1917. Eloise would have been 13 yrs old at the time and looking at them they could easily be hers. I would love to share the pics I have with you/someone for an opinion. It would be awesome if these were Eloise’s early drawings. Please email me if you’re interested. Ruth
I feel that noone can compare to the artistry of Eloise Wilkin. Her drawings of children brought such warmth to my heart. You wanted to reach out and hug each one of them. She drew children of all nationalities and colors and brought them all together with unity and love. How can you not fall in love with them all. I loved all the stories that she drew for, but truth be told, I think I spent more time just watching how her characters came together and how adorable they were. We only go through this world once, they say, but Eloise Wilkin was one person that should have been allowed to stay. She brought smiles and beauty into this world. There will never be another Eloise.
Thank you for pulling this info together on Eloise. Today my daughter was reading Eloise Wilkin’s Poems to Read to the Very Young. I instantly recognized the illustrations from my favorite bedtime book as a child My Goodnight Book. I decided to lookup more info on her and stumbled upon this page. Thank you for sharing!
Linda, so nice to see you’re getting more inquiries and interest about the incomparable Eloise! Could you let me know what is your targeted age for your book on this lady?
Thanks.
Anne Iverson
Thank you so much for this informative material! I, too, have always been captivated by Eloise Wilkin’s work. She is one of the best, in my opinion. I am working on a poetry book for kids, and I wish that she was still here to illustrate my material. I will stay tuned, looking forward to learning more about her.
-Ms. Barbara E. Barber (Author of “Allie’s Basketball Dream,” “Saturday At The New You,” and “Daddies.”
Thanks for the comment, Barbara… good to meet another fan of Eloise Wilkin’s art. As I’m getting ready to illustrate one of my own children’s stories I am reminded of what a good example she set with her darling, cherubic children.
I enjoyed reading your article, Linda, and am also interested in writing a children’s book about Eloise Wilkin. I have loved her illustrations since childhood, shared my old Little Golden Books with my children and my Pre-K students over the years.
You mentioned you’re wanting to do more about this talented lady and I’d like to know what age group your book will target. Any information you could provide would be much appreciated. I think her contributions to children’s books/illustrations has been long overlooked!
Regards,
Anne Iverson
Hi Anne… what you see here is all the information I have but I know there’s a lot more to add. I would love to see your book so I hope you write and publish it. I will add more information here… it is on my list of things to do.
Her illustrations are delightful and the children all precious!!
My Mother handed down a collection of Little Golden Books to my daughter, Esther when Grandma passed away December 31, 1976, well worn from reading to them, Of course!! Thank you, Linda, for acquainting us with the illustrator of many of these books!