This is an illustration by John Hassall for an edition of Charles Perrault’s version of “Sleeping Beauty.” John Hassall (1868-1948) was an English illustrator, painter, and renowned poster artist. Born in Walmer, Kent, he left a significant mark on the world of visual arts. Hassall’s artistic journey began with education in England and Germany, followed by an adventurous move to Manitoba, Canada, where he tried his hand at farming. However, his true passion lay in creativity, and he returned to London, where his drawings were accepted by The Graphic. Influenced by the iconic poster artist Alphonse Mucha, Hassall developed a distinctive style characterized by flat colors enclosed by thick black lines. His talent found expression in over 600 theater poster designs for David Allen & Sons, alongside illustrations for various newspapers. Notably, he authored volumes of nursery rhymes and fairy stories, including Mother Goose’s Nursery Rhymes (1909). Hassall’s legacy extends beyond his art; he founded the New Art School and School of Poster Design in Kensington, nurturing talents like Annie Fish, Bert Thomas, and Bruce Bairnsfather. His creative influence spanned generations, as he was the father of poet Christopher Hassall and printmaker Joan Hassall, OBE, and the grandfather of actress Imogen Hassall and noted “green” architect David Dobereiner.