Anton Pieck (1895–1987)

Anton Pieck was born to a working-class family in Den Helder, The Netherlands, with a twin brother, Henri Pieck, who also became an artist. The brothers began drawing lessons at age six. That year, the family moved to The Hague. Anton and Henri both studied at the Bik en Vaandrager Institute, and Anton went on to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. During World War I, he was conscripted into the Dutch Army and placed on "standby," spending most of his time drawing for his fellow recruits. After the war, Pieck became an art teacher first at the Bik en Vaandrager Institute and then at the Kennemer Lyceum in Overveen, a position he held until he retired in 1960. In the 1920s, he published the first of his countless drawings, paintings, etchings, and engravings. He became well-known for his book illustrations, which were also published in the children's magazine Zonneschijn. His most famous book illustrations were for Grimm's Fairy Tales (1940) and The Arabian Nights (1943-1956). From 1938, he created charming 19th-century city scenes and winter scenes for Christmas cards to benefit a children's organization, which were bestsellers in the Netherlands as well as in the USA. This led to a huge industry that duplicated his paintings on greeting cards, calendars, and puzzles that are still popular today. Pieck put his artistic talents to use during World War II by counterfeiting identity documents for the Dutch Resistance. He also hid Jewish refugees in his home. After the war, Pieck was responsible for designing the fairy tale theme park De Efteling in Kaatsheuvel, which opened in 1952. Efteling became tremendously influential, inspiring Walt Disney and many other designers, who borrowed from Pieck's materials, colors, and shapes for their own works. Efteling is the most popular amusement park in Europe. In 1984, the Anton Pieck Museum (Huis voor Anton Pieck) opened in Hattem, displaying his personal possessions and artworks.