Will Bradley

United States 1868 – 1962
Will Bradley (1868 – 1962) was an influential American artist, designer, and illustrator whose career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born William Henry Bradley in Boston, Massachusetts, he is widely recognized for his significant contributions to Art Nouveau design in the United States, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the visual landscape of the era. Bradley began his artistic journey as a typesetter at a young age, which laid the groundwork for his later mastery in typography and graphic design. His talents quickly propelled him into the burgeoning field of commercial art. In the 1890s, he emerged as a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, co-founding The Wayside Press and subsequently launching "The Chap-Book," a literary magazine that became synonymous with innovative graphic design. The covers and illustrations he created for this publication showcased his distinctive style, characterized by sinuous lines, decorative motifs, and a blend of classical and modern elements. His work as an illustrator extended beyond magazines to books, advertisements, and posters, where he developed a reputation for designing striking visuals that captivated audiences. Notably, Bradley's poster designs often featured stylized figures and organic forms, which were inspired by both European Art Nouveau aesthetics and traditional Japanese woodblock prints, reflecting the contemporary interest in Japonisme. He also designed several typefaces, including the iconic Bradley Initials, further cementing his status as a pioneer in the field of graphic arts. Throughout his illustrious career, Bradley transitioned from illustration to focus more on fine art, embracing painting and sculpture. This period saw him produce landscapes, portraits, and murals that continued to demonstrate his creative flair and keen eye for composition. However, it was his earlier achievements in graphic design and illustration that left an indelible mark on American visual culture, influencing countless designers who followed in his footsteps. In conclusion, Will Bradley was not only an accomplished painter but primarily a trailblazer in American graphic design, whose pioneering works bridged the gap between fine art and commercial artistry. Through his imaginative illustrations and innovative design solutions, Bradley significantly shaped the visual identity of the fin de siècle United States, leaving behind a legacy that endures within the annals of graphic design history.

Collection of Works(Page 1)

Ault & Wiborg Company, makers of lithographic & letter press printing inks,Will Bradley,Illustration
Ault & Wiborg Company, makers of lithographic & letter press printing inks
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 2599 × 3501 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 125,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, english text, monochrome, 1girl, text focus
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 125
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 2204 × 3175 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 129,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, no humans, flower, english text, text focus
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 129
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 1998 × 2954 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 132,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, no humans, flower, english text, border
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 132
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 3496 × 4760 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 113,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, 1boy, english text, male focus, monster boy
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 113
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 4282 × 5980 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 126,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, 1girl, hat, english text, smile, closed eyes
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 126
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 2012 × 2976 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 130,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, afro, dress, 2girls, multiple girls
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 130
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 2460 × 3419 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 133,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, candle, english text, no humans, fire, moon
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 133
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 3201 × 4626 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 114,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, nude, 1boy, long hair, breasts, 1girl
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 114
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 4282 × 5871 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 128,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, tree, pokemon (creature), no humans
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 128
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 2212 × 3058 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 131,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, flower, sunflower, walking, yellow flower
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 131
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 3412 × 4796 px
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 134,Will Bradley,Illustration,Illustration, no humans, flower, english text
Ault and Wiborg, Ad. 134
Painter: Will Bradley
Resolution: 2665 × 3732 px