The King was in his Counting-house,
Counting out his Money.
The Queen was in the Parlour,
Eating Bread and Honey.
The Maid was in the Garden,
Hanging out the Clothes;
There came a little Blackbird,
And snapped off her Nose.
But there came a Jenny Wren
And popped it on again.
I scanned these images from one of my antiquarian children's books: R. Caldecott's Picture Book No. 2 published in London by Frederick Warne and Co., Ltd. (the same company that published all of the Beatrix Potter books).
I absolutely love the 19th century illustrations by Randolph Caldecott. The rooms of the little king and queen are so nicely decorated down to the last detail. The fairy tale pictures on their walls are just wonderful. The architectural design of the house and walled gardens delight me too. Click to enlarge.
These stories are a pleasure to read because they set your mind spinning trying to imagine living in such a special place. Enjoy.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day. ♥Rosemary
3 comments:
I never knew this illustrator until today--very captivating style. These are the kind of pictures I would have looked at over and over if I had seen them in a book when I was a child( I had favorite fairy tale books illustrated by Tasha Tudor and Arthur Rackham, and adored all the little Beatrix Potter books I would borrow from the library))
These are lovely illustrations from a simpler time in children's literature. The watercolors are soothing and soft. Today, Caldecott lives on as each year an American picture book is awarded the Caldecott Medal for excellence in its illustrations.
Oh Rosemary, my dear Dad passed away 32 years ago, but this lovely post has just brought him right back next to me! He loved telling this story to us kids & I can still feel his huge fingers swooping down on our excited little faces & gently 'pecking our noses off'! Followed by squeals of feigned surprise from all of us!
Delightful illustrations from a truly magical author.
Millie ^_^
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