Children’s Book Art Finds Way to Collector’s Hearts

Anyone who has ever looked closely at illustrated children’s books will likely not be surprised to hear that the world at large is finally catching on and the market for the stuff is growing. AP reports:

Once seen as fun but forgettable, the genre is now being featured in mainstream museums and dissected in college art courses.

And as respect for children’s book art grows, the money follows: Buyers are purchasing the illustrations as investments and philanthropists are stepping up.

And though the genre is gaining respect, it’s not yet on an even footing with other types of art, and perhaps never will be.

“I can’t say we’re viewing it quite the way we’re viewing Monets, but I do think there’s been more attention and focus on this,” said Jean Sousa, the Art Institute of Chicago’s director of interpretive exhibits and family programs.

“It’s a distinct entity. It doesn't have to compete with the Monets of the world because it has its own special value as art,” she said.

Would-be collector’s might want to take note: growing interest in children’s book illustrations as well as the establishment of museums like Amherst’s Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and Ohio’s Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books at the University of Findlay are contributing to the artform’s market and collectibility. It’s a trend that began a couple of decades ago.

Renewed respect for children’s book illustrations started appearing in the early 1980s, led by Japanese museums that displayed the pieces on par with raku pottery, traditional calligraphy and other undisputedly important art forms.

The past decade has seen a burst of U.S. museum displays and the growth of facilities to preserve and show it, including the Carle’s establishment in Amherst.

Many say the art will have long-term appeal because it crosses generations, introducing children to art and museums while sparking warm memories for adults.

The full AP piece is here.