Josephine Wall facts for kids

Josephine Wall is a famous English artist and sculptor. She was born in May 1947 in Farnham, Surrey, England. Josephine is well-known for her amazing fantasy art, which often features magical creatures and dreamlike scenes.

About Josephine Wall

Growing Up and Early Art

Josephine Wall went to school in Farnham and Parkstone. She later studied art at Bournemouth College. After college, she worked at Poole Pottery. There, she designed and painted special pottery called Delphis Ware. Josephine also created pottery figures, including characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and other mythical creatures. Some of her early pottery pieces are even shown in a book about the history of Poole Pottery.

Her Unique Painting Style

Josephine's paintings are mostly inspired by the artist Arthur Rackham. She also gets ideas from surrealist artists like René Magritte and Salvador Dalí, who create dreamlike art. The romantic style of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood also influences her work. Her art often shows magical worlds, beautiful creatures, and vibrant colors.

Exhibitions and Worldwide Art

Josephine's artwork has been shown in many places around the world. In 1974, some of her paintings were exhibited in Tehran and Tokyo. Her very first solo art show happened in Swindon in 1975.

In 1990, a TV show on Southern Television featured Josephine and her paintings. A few years later, in 1993, she signed agreements with companies in Britain and Switzerland. These agreements helped publish her art as prints, posters, and cards, which were then sold all over the world.

Since 1996, Josephine has worked with Art Impressions, a company in California. They help license her artwork for many different products. You can find her art on greeting cards, calendars, puzzles, journals, mugs, and even fabric.

In 1998, five of her original paintings were chosen for an exhibition at London's Mall Gallery. This show was called "Art of the Imagination." Josephine later joined the society of artists with the same name.

Her art has also been shown at the New York Art Expo. A book called The Fantasy World of Josephine Wall was released in 2005. Pop singer Britney Spears has even used some of Josephine's images on her website and bought some of her prints. Josephine has also created an original painting for Britney Spears.

Key Moments in Her Career

• 1967: After studying Fine Art, Josephine worked at Poole Pottery. She designed Delphis Ware and created animal figures for Harrods in London. Her pottery included characters from The Lord of the Rings and mythological creatures.
• 1974: Some of her larger paintings were shown in Tehran and Tokyo.
• 1975: She held her first solo art exhibition in Swindon.
• 1990: After raising her three children, Josephine had a second solo exhibition at the Mayfield Gallery in Bournemouth. Southern Television also featured her and her paintings.
• 1991: She held her third solo exhibition at the Mayfield Gallery.
• 1993: Josephine signed contracts to publish her work as prints, posters, and cards for worldwide distribution.
• 1995: Her painting "Dance of all Seasons" was chosen for a catalogue cover.
• 1996: She signed a licensing agreement with Art Impressions. This led to her images being used on many products like cards, puzzles, and mugs.
• 1998: Five of her original works were chosen for the "Art of the Imagination" exhibition in London.
• 1999: More products featuring her art, such as stationery, journals, and posters, became available.
• 2004: Her first exhibition at the New York Art Expo led to her images being used for special prints sold on cruise ships.
• 2005: She exhibited again at the New York Art Expo, where her first book, The Fantasy World of Josephine Wall, was released.
• 2006: Josephine completed a series of "Zodiac" images, which became very popular. They were exhibited at Courtenays Fine Art Gallery in Westbourne, where many were quickly sold.