Alexander Wilson Drake

Background

Alexander Wilson Drake was born in 1843 in Westfield, New Jersey, United States. He was the son of Isaac and Charlotte (Osborn) Drake.

Education

As a youth Drake took up the study of wood-engraving. Being a good draftsman, he subsequently drew upon the wood blocks for engravers, and studied painting in oils and in water-colors.

Career

In 1865 Drake established himself as a wood-engraver in New York City.

Five years later he joined, as head of the art department, the organization which was about to issue Scribners Monthly Magazine.

When the ownership and name of the publication were changed, in 1881, Drake’s title became that of art director of the Century Magazine and of St. Nicholas.

Achievements

• Drake was one of the nine men who founded the Grolier Club in New York City.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Three Midnight Stories

    (Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We h...)

  • Illustrated catalogue of his famous collections of antique samplers and needlework, fragments of old printed chintz, bandboxes and wallpapers, glass ... the American art galleries, Mar. 10-17, 1913

Personality

Himself an artist with a thirsty love of beauty in any form, Drake had also the technical training of a woodengraver and the discernment, optimism, and friendly sympathy of a born teacher. These qualities fitted him to recognize ability and, by unsparing criticism, to develop it in a great number of young artists.

Connections

Father:

Isaac Drake

Mother:

Charlotte (Osborn) Drake