AOIF Acquires Frederick Richardson’s Original Volland Mother Goose Watercolor
The Arts of Imagination Foundation is delighted to announce the acquisition of an original watercolor illustration created in 1915 by the renowned American illustrator Frederick Richardson for the Volland Mother Goose. This exceptional work is a significant addition to the Foundation’s collection, which is curated with the mission of preserving and activating story-inspired art that has shaped imagination across generations.
First published more than a century ago, the Volland Mother Goose remains in print today—a rare testament to its enduring cultural power. Richardson’s illustrations for the volume are beloved worldwide for their warmth, lyricism, and creative reimaginings of classic nursery rhymes. His work stands among the most recognized and influential examples of early twentieth-century book illustration, continuing to inspire artists, readers, and scholars alike.
The newly acquired watercolor will make its public debut through a collaborative exhibition with CDI and ESMoA, celebrating the role of nursery rhymes in shaping imagination, language, and early cognitive development. The exhibition will explore how these timeless verses—and the images that accompany them—help children make sense of the world, laying foundations for creativity and communication.
Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to expand this program to support individuals experiencing memory loss. By using story-based art and familiar narratives, future initiatives aim to spark joy, recognition, and meaningful connection—demonstrating that imagination remains a powerful bridge across all stages of life.
This acquisition underscores the Arts of Imagination Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding significant works of narrative art and ensuring they continue to inspire, heal, and connect individuals and communities.
About the Artist: Frederick Richardson (1862–1937)
Frederick Richardson was a prominent American illustrator whose work helped define the golden age of illustrated books in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in London and raised in the United States, Richardson studied at the National Academy of Design in New York and began his career as a painter before turning to illustration. He became especially celebrated for his imaginative interpretations of classic literature, fairy tales, and nursery rhymes, including Rip Van Winkle, Mother Goose, and works by Shakespeare and Lewis Carroll.
Richardson’s art is distinguished by its expressive line, rich sense of atmosphere, and deep respect for storytelling. His illustrations balance whimsy with emotional depth, inviting readers of all ages into vividly imagined worlds. Widely published and exhibited during his lifetime, Richardson’s work remains influential today and is held in museum and private collections around the world.
