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Lot #564
Kate Greenaway

Rare set of watercolor illustrations for her beloved Book of Games

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Description

Rare set of watercolor illustrations for her beloved Book of Games

British children’s author and illustrator (1846–1901) whose distinctively illustrated books were among the most popular ‘juvenile’ works of the Victorian age. Fabulous collection of unsigned original ink and watercolor illustrations used in her Book of Games, published in 1889, accomplished on four small individual off-white sheets ranging in size from 1.5 x 2.25 to 5.25 x 1.5. The illustrations depict a badminton racquet and birdie; a paddle and shuttlecock; a group of three spinning tops; and a leafy branch. They are nicely matted and framed to overall sizes of approximately 8 x 10, with calligraphic descriptions on each mat. In overall fine condition. The delightfully illustrated book contained playful descriptions of a variety of games for children. It featured 24 plates depicting the games, with these illustrations used to embellish the borders surrounding the text. Of the present group, the two illustrations with racquets appear on the page for ‘Battledore & Shuttlecock,’ the spinning tops decorate the bottom of the page for ‘Tops,’ and the leafy tree branch is shown next to the text for ‘Ball.’ A supremely desirable set of original production illustrations from the classic children’s illustrator.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #450 - Ended April 15, 2015