Biography
Known as one of the Glasgow Girls, Annie French was born in Glasgow and studied at Glasgow School of Art (GSA), from 1886-9, under the influential teacher Francis Newberry. French excelled as an illustrator and developed an exquisite linear technique. Informed by both Art Nouveau and the Pre-Raphaelites, French’s delicate, patterned style worked well for the illustration of fairy tales and poems. She continued working in this manner throughout her life and taught ceramic decoration at GSA from 1908-12.
Glossary terms
Art nouveau
Decorative art style popular in Europe and North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterised by flowing lines based on plant forms.