Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Colourful Victorians

This blog seems to be obsessed with the Victorian age at the moment, but I assure you that it's not intentional. I've just had a lot of 19th century books and ephemera arrive recently.

Today's pictures are some stunning colour illustrations from a children's book that was published in 1870. The book itself was in appalling condition, but I managed to rescue the plates. If you want to use the images, they've been scanned at a reasonably high resolution:










9 comments:

The Poet Laura-eate said...

No need to apologise on my account being somewhat something of a recycled Victorian myself.

But I WANT that house in the last illustration!

magiciansgirl said...

These are stunning - don't stop with the Victoriana, it's wonderful

Kristin said...

Gorgeous images!

Also, I wanted to say that I really appreciate your thoughtfulness in scanning them at high-res. As an inveterate photo-printer, it makes things so much easier to have them at 300dpi or higher.

Sam Jordison said...

Lovely. What happened to all those idle fat men with long pipes and stomachs bursting out of their britches? They seemed to be everywhere judging by the illustrations of 150 years ago. I cna't think of an equivalent modern type.

Steerforth said...

The Brighton branch of ASDA has many gentlemen of leisure, with large stomachs and pipes (albeit crack pipes).

Martin said...

Just the stuff for a rainy day. Or any other day, in fact. Well rescued, Steerforth!

CC said...

Was the Illustrator identified anywhere in the ruins of the book?

I also love the Victoriana. Thanks for all!

Anonymous said...

There seems to be a bit of a narrative thread here, as the milkmaid with the blue apron (preceded by dog flying over a cow??) is later shown with her lover. Is that the vicar emerging, opposite them? (And why is this all taking place at night...?

Thanks for yet another wonderful set of images.

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