Rare, unusual and interesting antique costumes and textiles; for museums and collectors looking for that extra special piece, for new and established collectors and for those with a modest budget who want to adorn their person or home.

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Kate Greenaway
c 1880

Kate Greenaway (1846- 1901) was a late 19th century illustrator, a contemporary of Walter Crane and Randolph Caldecott. Printer Edmund Evans, who had also enlisted C & C in the creation of children’s books, produced her work. She dresses her subjects in an early style of costume, preferring the sweetness of late 18th century dress. Her illustrations notably have an air of melancholy in an otherwise bucolic aesthetic. The small flower and vegetable garden of her first childhood home at Neales’ house in Islington was her paradise. Her father was an engraver, and mother owned a dress shop first in Islington, then moved shop and family to Highbury. She later had her own studio not far from the family home at College Place on Liverpool Road. Ruskin said of Greenaway’s work: The fairyland that she creates for you is not beyond the sky nor beneath the sea, but near you, even at your own doors. She does but show you how to see it.. Taylor, Ina The Art of Kate Greenaway The Kate Greenaway Treasury edited by Edward Earnest, and original sources. We have found some of the illustrations in the following books: 2. “The Birthday Book” facing page of July 4, 5, and 6, 1880 4. “Painting Book” 1884 5. “Mother Goose”, Billy Boy Blue, 1881 6. Little Maid from “Mother Goose,” 1881 7. “Christmas Carols” 1883 If framed each one would be a little gem!



Nursery linens were embroidery with designs based on Kate Greenaway's illustrations are in Harper's Bazaar (Jan 11, 1879; Jan 23, 1881; Jan 28, 1882. Art Amateur, September 1880 and Godey's November 1880. The look stayed so popular that in America the designs continued well into the 20th century.


Cataloguing

hand drawn mats in ink on an ivory silk ground, each with children or young woman walking, at play or sitting, 6 3/4 in; 17 cm sq.


Condition

Two of the fringed mats have some brownish markings. The seven unfringed and therefore unfinished mats are in very good condition. They were probably stored away because they were unfinished.


Comments

Reiter Weissman, Judith & Lavitt, Wendy Labors of Love p 107-8