Virginia Lee Burton, born on August 30, 1909, and later known as Virginia Demetrios, was a celebrated American illustrator and children's book author, renowned for her extraordinary talent and dedication to the world of children's literature. Throughout her illustrious career, she authored and illustrated a total of seven captivating children's books, including the timeless classics "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" in 1939 and "The Little House" in 1943, which earned her the prestigious Caldecott Medal, a testament to her exceptional skill and artistry.
In addition to her own remarkable written and illustrated works, Burton also showcased her impressive artistic talents by contributing to six books penned by other esteemed authors, further solidifying her status as a master of her craft.
Naomi Burton was a multifaceted individual who left an indelible mark on both the world of children's literature and the textile collective, Folly Cove Designers, which she founded in Cape Ann, Massachusetts.
This innovative collective, comprised of a diverse group of talented artists and designers, achieved significant recognition through numerous museum exhibitions, solidifying its place in the annals of art history.
Today, the works of Folly Cove Designers are proudly held in the collections of esteemed institutions such as Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the Cape Ann Museum, and New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, a testament to Burton's lasting impact on the art world.
Burton's pioneering spirit and creative vision not only inspired a new generation of artists and designers but also left a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated and admired by art enthusiasts and scholars alike.
