Betts, Anna Whelan (1873–1959)

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Betts, Anna Whelan (1873–1959)

American illustrator. Born 1873 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; died 1959; sister of Ethel Franklin Betts (children's book illustrator); attended Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Drexel Institute, both Philadelphia; studied with Robert Vannoh and Howard Pyle.

Rendered delicate color illustrations for such popular magazines as St. Nicholas, Harper's Monthly, The Ladies' Home Journal and The Century Magazine; at height of career, developed eye trouble and had to stop illustrating; became a director and art teacher at Solebury School in New Hope, Pennsylvania, a post she held for 20 years; was also a member of the Philadelphia Watercolor Society.