In Memory of Frederic Dorr Steele

Frederic Dorr Steele came to New York City in 1889, studied at the Art Students League and the National Academy, and became an in-demand illustrator for America’s leading publishers. When the 13 stories of The Return of Sherlock Holmes were to appear in Collier’s in 1903, his idealized portrait of Sherlock Holmes became an enduring, permanent contribution to the character and an inspiration for other artists. After Steele died in 1944 his ashes were interred in the Steele/King family plot at the Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, NY.  No stone marks his resting place. With the approval of his descendants we are raising $6,000 for a monument, perpetual care and refurbishment, consistent with the historic cemetery’s standards.

Steele illustrated all but four of the 33 Holmes cases published after 1903 and many other works.  He was the first living illustrator to have representation in the Cabinet of American Illustration of the Library of Congress. His work has delighted millions of readers for more than a century. Please help us create a fitting memorial to this great artist, illustrator and Sherlockian.

Link to the video celebration above : https://youtu.be/oT3POIni-fg

Download our flyer 

Images for your posts 

One minute campaign intro 

The Frederic Dorr Steele Memorial Committee

John Baesch
Peter E. Blau
Ross Davies
Michael Dirda
Thomas Francis
Evelyn Herzog
Harrison Hunt
Linda Hunt
Alex Katz
Robert Katz
Jon Lellenberg
Andrew Malec
Glen Miranker
Scott Monty
Richard Olken
Jan Prager
M. E. Rich
Philip Shreffler
Albert Silverstein
Burt Wolder