Barbara Crocker facts for kids

Barbara Fanny Crocker, also known as Barbara Crocker Whelpton, was a talented British artist and writer. She lived from 1910 to 1995. Barbara was famous for her beautiful paintings and large wall murals. She also wrote many interesting books.

About Barbara Crocker

Barbara Crocker was born in London in 1910. She was one of five children. Her father, George Ashcombe Crocker, was a dealer. Her mother was Rosa Anna Francis.

Her Education and Early Career

Barbara went to Putney High School. After that, she studied art at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. She was there from 1927 to 1930. To learn even more, she continued her art training in Paris and Italy.

Besides painting, Barbara also gave talks about art. During World War II, she even lectured to soldiers. Later in her life, she traveled a lot. She visited places all over Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. These trips inspired her to write several travel books.

Her Artworks and Projects

Barbara Crocker painted many landscapes. She used both oil paints and watercolors. She also created prints and lithographs. These are special types of art made by printing.

She was known for painting murals. These are large paintings done directly on walls. She created murals for offices and restaurants in London. She also painted a mural for the Natural History Museum.

Barbara also illustrated many books. This means she drew pictures for them. She illustrated at least two books written by Eric Whelpton. She married Eric in 1943. Together, they wrote several books about art and travel. Barbara also translated books by other authors into English.

Exhibitions and Later Life

Starting in 1960, Barbara Crocker held yearly shows of her art in her studio. She also showed her work with several art groups. These included the London Group and the Women's International Art Club. She also exhibited with the Royal Watercolour Society, the Royal Society of British Artists, and the Society of Women Artists.

Later in her life, Barbara lived in Sussex. She passed away in Rye in 1995. She was 85 years old. You can find her paintings in important places. These include Canada House in London and the New York Museum. The Rye Art Gallery also has some of her artworks.

Books Illustrated by Barbara Crocker

Barbara Crocker drew pictures for these books:

• L'Air de Londres by Jean Queval
• The Book of Dublin by Eric Whelpton
• The Intimate Charm of Kensington by Eric Whelpton

Books Written by Barbara Crocker

Barbara Crocker wrote many books, sometimes with others:

• Springtime at St. Hilaire, 1953, with Eric Whelpton
• A Window on Greece, 1954
• Grand tour of Italy, 1956, with Eric Whelpton
• Calabria and the Aeolian Islands, 1957, with Eric Whelpton
• Greece and the Islands, 1962, with Eric Whelpton
• Paris Triumphant, 1962
• Unknown Ireland: A Motoring Itinerary of Lesser-known General and Archaeological Features, 1964
• Unknown Austria Volume 1 and Volume 2, 1966
• Unknown Austria: Styria, Burgenland and Carinthia, 1969
• Art Appreciation Made Simple, 1970
• Painters' Florence, 1971
• Unknown Scily; archaeological itineraries with 16 photos, 1972, with Georges Pillement
• Talking about Pictures: French, 1986, with Edward S Jenkins
• Picture Composition: French, 1986, with Edward S Jenkins