Grace Gebbie Drayton Paintings

Grace Gebbie Wiederseim Drayton was an influential American illustrator and cartoonist in the early 20th century, known for her creation of the iconic Campbell Soup Kids and her work in women's magazines and children's literature. Born on October 14, 1877, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Grace was the daughter of George Wiederseim, a prominent intellectual and Alice Gerbaulet. Her artistic talents were evident from a young age, and she received her education at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now Moore College of Art and Design).

Drayton's career took off when she began to contribute to the burgeoning field of newspaper and magazine illustration. She worked for various publications including The Philadelphia Press, where she honed her distinct style characterized by round-faced, cherubic children and animals, which would later become her trademark. Drayton's work was also regularly featured in popular magazines of the time such as Ladies' Home Journal, The Saturday Evening Post, and Good Housekeeping.

One of Grace Drayton's most enduring contributions to American culture was the creation of the Campbell Soup Kids in 1904. These characters were used in a series of advertising campaigns for the Campbell Soup Company and quickly became a beloved American icon. Their popularity also helped to solidify the role of illustrated characters in advertising and branding, a trend that would continue to grow throughout the 20th century.

In addition to her commercial work, Drayton also made significant contributions to children's literature. She illustrated several children's books and created paper dolls and cut-out books which were popular among young girls of that era. Her work was characterized by a whimsical charm that appealed to the sensibilities of both children and adults.

Despite her success, Drayton's personal life was marked by difficulties, including turbulent marriages. She was married three times, with her middle name 'Gebbie' derived from her first husband, Theodore Wiederseim. After their divorce, she married her second husband, Wilbur G. Drayton, from whom she eventually also separated. Her third marriage was to Howard Smith, a childhood friend.

Grace Drayton's influence extended beyond her illustrations. She was a pioneer for women in the commercial art world at a time when the industry was predominantly male-dominated. She inspired future generations of female artists and illustrators with her successful career and unique artistic voice.

Grace Gebbie Drayton passed away on January 31, 1936, in New York City. Her legacy continues through the enduring charm of the Campbell Soup Kids and her contributions to children's literature. Her work remains a testament to her talent and her role as a trailblazer in the world of commercial illustration.