Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone facts for kids
Janet Grahame Johnstone (born June 1, 1928 – died January 20, 1979) and Anne Grahame Johnstone (born June 1, 1928 – died May 25, 1998) were twin sisters from England. They became famous for illustrating children's books. Their artwork was known for being very detailed and beautiful. They are especially remembered for drawing pictures for the classic book The Hundred and One Dalmatians.
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Growing Up and Becoming Artists
The twin sisters, Janet and Anne, were born in Marylebone, London. Their mother, Doris Zinkeisen, was a successful artist who painted portraits and designed costumes. Their father was Captain Edward Grahame Johnstone.
Janet and Anne went to Heathfield School in Ascot, Berkshire during World War II. Both at home and at school, their love for art was encouraged. Later, they studied at Saint Martin's School of Art in London. There, they learned a lot about clothing styles from different time periods. In 1966, they moved to Woodbridge, Suffolk. The sisters never married. They lived with their mother until Janet passed away in 1979.
Becoming Popular Children's Illustrators
The Johnstone sisters became very popular in the early 1950s. Publishers noticed their talent, and they quickly gained a reputation as skilled illustrators. They always worked together on their drawings. They would pass their artwork back and forth until both sisters were happy with it.
Janet was especially good at drawing animals and birds. Anne focused on the historical costumes that often appeared in their work. Because they worked so closely together, no book was illustrated by just one of them until Janet passed away in 1979.
Illustrating The Hundred and One Dalmatians
The first very important book the twins worked on was The Hundred and One Dalmatians. It was written by Dodie Smith, who was already a well-known writer. In 1956, she asked Janet and Anne to illustrate her first children's book. The book was an instant hit with both kids and parents. Later, Walt Disney made Smith's book into a popular animated movie.
The twins also illustrated other books by Dodie Smith, like The Starlight Barking and The Midnight Kittens. These books made them some of the most recognized children's book illustrators in England. Their working relationship grew into a lasting friendship that continued until Smith passed away in 1990.
Working in Early Television
Early in their careers, the twins also created a lot of artwork for British television. This was during the first years of children's TV shows. They made art for programs like "Tai Lu," "Andy Pandy," and "The Flower Pot Men." These shows were very popular with British children in the 1950s and 1960s.
Their Many Illustrations
Together, the sisters illustrated more than 100 books. These included classic fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. They also illustrated books by J. M. Barrie and Charles Kingsley. They worked on a series of Biblical tales and Tales of the Greeks and Trojans by Roger Lancelyn Green. They also illustrated many rhyme books and modern story collections.
Some of their early projects included Enid Blyton's Tales of Ancient Greece (1951). They also created new pictures for an old German children's book called Struwwelpeter (1950). The Johnstones illustrated many of Paul Gallico's magical children's stories, such as Manxmouse, The Man who was Magic, and Miracle in the Wilderness. One of their most sought-after books is Enid Blyton's 1979 'De Luxe edition' of The Enchanted Wood.
Most of their work involved designing Christmas cards. They also illustrated many large, colorful gift books, mainly published by Dean. Their full-page illustrations for nursery rhymes, fairy tales, or children's prayers were very popular with the public.
Janet and Anne also designed many company logos and advertisements. They even designed a wine label for their own brand of wine, called Chateau Badingham. Their artwork also appeared in British children's magazines like Robin and Finding Out.
A New Chapter for Anne
In 1979, Janet passed away due to an accident. This left Anne feeling very sad and alone, as they had always been together. Their brother, Murray, once said they were like one and a half people, not two separate people.
Anne suddenly had to manage all the work they used to share. She worked hard to finish all their projects. She also had to learn how to draw animals, especially horses, which had been Janet's special skill. Anne became so good at it that she was chosen as a Member of the Society of Equestrian Artists in 1998.
Anne's Later Work
On her own in the 1980s, Anne created many beautiful illustrations. Two important books she illustrated were Peter Pan and The Water Babies. Each year, she also designed very popular Christmas cards for Royles.
Other projects included designs for special Christmas jigsaw puzzles for the British game company Waddingtons. She also wrote and illustrated two books about Santa Claus. Over the years, Anne became an expert in 19th-century military uniforms. She often worked as an artist for the College of Arms, drawing coats of arms and other symbols. Anne passed away after an illness on May 25, 1998, in Badingham, Suffolk, at the age of 69. She continued to work almost until her last day.
