Lankes, Julius John, 1884-1960
Dates
- Existence: 1884 - 1960
Biography
Julius John (J.J.) Lankes was born on August 31, 1884 in Buffalo, New York. He studied at the Art Students League at Buffalo and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. An instructor of art at Wells College in New York state, Lankes was a noted woodcut artist who was most often associated with illustrating publications of Robert Frost's poetry. He also produced Christmas holiday cards, bookplates and completed cuts for fellow woodcut artist Rockwell Kent. He also collaborated with Charles E. Burchfield. In addition, Lankes authored articles and books including "A Woodcut Manual" (1932) and "Virginia Woodcuts" (1930). In 1940, Harper & Brothers published an edition of Thomas Gray's "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," with thirty woodcut illustrations by Lankes and an introduction by Pulitzer prize-winning poet Robert P. T. Coffin. In 1941, Lankes was elected into the National Academy of Design. He was hired as head of technical illustrating by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in 1943, and remained there until 1950. Lankes died on April 22, 1960.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
J.J. Lankes papers
J.J. Lankes (1884-1960), artist. The collection contains woodcuts, paintings, prints, wood engravings, etchings, woodblocks, manuscripts, correspondence, and photographs, documenting the career of Lankes. Some material related to Lankes' son J.B., including trial proofs of Lankes prints by J.B, are also included.