author
Will Bradley
1868–1962
A leading American designer of the Art Nouveau era, he helped shape the look of posters, magazines, and book design at the turn of the twentieth century. His work was so influential that he was later nicknamed the "Dean of American Designers."
2 Audiobooks
About the author
Born in Boston on July 10, 1868, William Henry Bradley was largely self-taught and began working in printing while still very young in Ishpeming, Michigan. That early experience in print shops helped launch a career that would make him one of the best-known American graphic artists of his time.
Bradley became famous in the 1890s for striking poster and magazine designs associated with American Art Nouveau. He created memorable work for publications such as The Chap-Book and became known for decorative line, bold shapes, and a fresh, modern sense of layout that influenced both commercial art and book design.
Over a long career, he worked not only as an illustrator and designer but also in publishing and film. He died on January 25, 1962, leaving behind a body of work that still stands as an important part of American visual culture.