Kate Greenaway Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Kate Greenaway was a beloved English artist and writer known for her charming illustrations of children’s books during the Victorian era. Born in 1846, she grew up in a family of engravers and artists, which nurtured her natural talent from a young age.

Greenaway’s whimsical and delicate watercolor illustrations captured the hearts of both children and adults. Her unique style, featuring young children in quaint costumes and idyllic garden settings, became widely recognized and admired. Some of her most famous works include “Under the Window” (1879) and “Marigold Garden” (1885).

In addition to her illustrations, Greenaway also wrote and designed her own books, showcasing her storytelling abilities. Her works were immensely popular and widely published, not only in England but also in the United States, where she gained a devoted following.

Greenaway spent much of her life in Hampstead, London, where she lived and worked at 39 Frognal, now known as Greenaway House. The house served as her sanctuary and inspiration, with its beautiful gardens often featured in her illustrations. Sadly, Greenaway passed away at her Hampstead home in 1901 at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enchant readers and art lovers to this day.

The Borough of Camden, where Greenaway House is located, has a rich artistic and literary history. Many notable figures, such as John Keats, George Orwell, and John Constable, have called this area home over the years, contributing to its cultural significance.