Detail of book cover from The Claims of Decorative Art published in 1892 by English artist and book illustrator Walter Crane (1845-1915). The book includes a series of papers by Crane in which he explains his ideas on the connection between art and craft. The preface was written in January 1892 while he was in Chicago giving lectures, overseeing an exhibition of his works at the Art Institute, and completing murals in Willard Hall in the Temperance Temple (Burnham & Root, opened May 1892). The Glessners met Crane during this time, which probably led to their purchase of the book upon publication.
In the preface, he explained the papers:
“All have been written under the influence of that new-old view of art, which has revived during the last quarter of our century, which regards it not only in relation to use and material, and seeks for its vital root in the handicrafts, but also in its connection with common life and social conditions.”
The Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society in England used a modified version of the illustration to adorn its print pieces including books, programs, invitations, and tickets.