Lankes, Julius J., 1884-1960

Woodcut artist; Durham, North Carolina.

From the description of Letter : Durham, North Carolina, 1955-1956. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122539131

Julius J. Lankes was a maker of woodcuts whose work was represented at the Weyhe Gallery. Carl Zigrosser admired his work and promoted his career. As with many American artists of his generation, Lankes' career was never financially stable, and he also worked as an illustrator, an art educator and as a technical artist for the Federal Government. Lankes' prodigious correspondence with Carl Zigrosser covers the years 1919 to 1960. The artist's full character is revealed in his letters -- his art work, his financial struggles, his family life and personal likes and dislikes fill his letters. A continuing theme is his dissatisfaction with the "art Game." Lankes' joking, sharply observant tone sometimes develops the biting quality of a discouraged man.

From the description of Correspondence with Carl Zigrosser, 1910-1960, n.d. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 155901917

Printmaker, illustrator; Hampton, Virginia. Also known as J.J. Lankes.

From the description of Julius J. Lankes letters and prints, 1924-1932. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86122919

Virginia illustrator.

From the description of Woodcuts by Julius J. Lankes, ca. 1930. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 647814628

Julius John Lankes was born in Buffalo, New York, 31 August 1884. He married Edee Maria Bartlett and had four children. He worked as a draftsman and took art courses. Lankes moved to Virginia in 1925. He was a visiting lecturer in art at Wells College and head of the section of technical illustration at Langley Field. Lankes was the author of several works and illustrated books. He died in Durham, N.C.

From the description of J.J. Lankes Collection, 1917-1946. (College of William & Mary). WorldCat record id: 23067189

Woodcut artist.

From the description of Papers, 1954-1956 [microform]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122498113

Biography

Julius J. Lankes (1884-1960) graduated from the Buffalo Commercial and Electro-Mechanical Institute in 1902, and later studied at the Art Students' League of Buffalo and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Known primarily as a woodcut artist, he created illustrations for the Liberator and was also a contributing editor. He had notable collaborations with Robert Frost, illustrating Frost's New Hampshire and West-Running Brook, and Sherwood Anderson, establishing lifelong friendships. A Woodcut Manual (Henry Holt, 1932) was written and illustrated by Lankes. He taught at Wells College (Aurora, New York), and later became head of technical illustrating at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.

From the guide to the Collection of bookplates designed by J.J. Lankes, 1921-, (University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections.)

A native of Buffalo, New York, Julius John Lankes (1884-1960) achieved national recognition for his mastery of woodcut printintg. His works, numbering about thirteen hundred, helped elevate woodblock print beyond illustration in commercial productions to recognition as a fine art. Lankes graduated from Buffalo Commercial and Electro-Mechanical Institute in 1902 and worked as a draftman specializing in patent drawings before continuing his art studies at the Art Students' League at Buffalo and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts School. In 1951, Lankes moved to Durham, North Carolina. He suffered a debilitating stroked in 1959 and died on April 22, 1960 in Durham. He was buried in Buffalo on 25 April 1960.

Biographical Source: http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whoweare/exhibits/prints/,2008

From the guide to the J. J. Lankes Papers, (University of Minnesota Libraries Children's Literature Research Collections [clrc])