The Keanes were popular "collectables" artists in the mid-20th century. Walter was known for sentimental paintings of children with large teary eyes. (The frisson evoked by this hyper-opthalmic kitsch was much preferred to compassionate feelings for real children with reasons to weep.)

During a subsequent divorce proceeding, Margaret contested that it was she and not he who had originated the works. The charge of "fraud" invoked in this context was later changed to one of "irony."