Sunday, March 9, 2014

An old favorite: Beatrix Potter's "The Tailor of Gloucester"

All week I have been looking forward to posting some new-to-me watercolors by English artist Eric Ravilious, but this morning when I woke up, I just wanted to share my favorite Beatrix Potter illustrations.

I love how decorative art is detailed in these pictures--painted china, lace and printed and embroidered fabric.










During the summer between my junior and senior year, I went to England with a college study program. We spent awhile in the beautiful, beautiful Lake District where Beatrix Potter lived. Some of the students went to see Beatrix Potter's farm, but not me. I am disgusted with myself, in retrospect, but at the time I had not realized my love for illustrated children's books or for old-timey, small-scale agriculture. Maybe someday I will get another chance to look at Beatrix Potter's house and furniture and china and garden.

The Tailor of Gloucester is one of my favorite books to read aloud. The story is as delightful as the pictures. 

I found these on The Tate Gallery website.

5 comments:

  1. Beautiful! I love all those details, and love the idea of your angel with a pocketful of candles for children scared of the dark too!

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    1. Thank you! Yes, detailed paintings of detailed decorative art makes me so happy.

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  2. There are books that show her house- this one is on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/At-Home-Beatrix-Potter-Creator/dp/0711230188/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394721113&sr=1-4&keywords=beatrix+potter+house
    Since the main thing I remember from visiting Hilltop was almost being killed walking on the narrow, twisting, walled lanes to get there, maybe "visiting" via book isn't the worst thing. :)
    msp

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  3. Oh. At first I thought "narrow, walled lanes sound lovely," then I realized that cars travel on them. Bummer.






    ' la

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  4. Yes, cars driving very fast on the "wrong" side of the road and the walls mean no verges to escape them. The roads must have been lovely in BP's day, though, when traffic was on foot or horse. :)

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