Sunday 5 January 2014

Chloe Preston and The Dumpty Dumpties

After a previous post about Chloe Preston and the Peek-A-Boos (view here) I was contacted by a lady called Beryl. She rang to ask if the postcards featured in the post were for sale. After I explained they were part of my own collection and not for sale Beryl told me about some of the books given to her when she was a little girl. She asked if I had come across a book called Dumpty Dumpties. Although a fan of Chloe Preston I had to admit I hadn't, and a quick search on Google revealed only one copy for sale in America. A few days later I received a letter from Beryl with several images from her copy of Dumpty Dumpties (reproduced below) 





While Beryl and I were chatting she asked if I had a copy of Chloe Preston and the Peek-A-Boos by Mary Hillier. I didn't but have since found a copy. Beryl if you are reading this, I can confirm Dumpty Dumpties is not listed in Mary Hillier's book.  

Chloe-Preston and the Peek-A-Boos by Mary Hillier

I recently found another Chloe Preston book called The Peek-A-Boos Among the Bunnies published in 1913 by Humphrey Milford. It's in terrible condition with missing pages, scribbles and tears, but I love it! I can't possibly sell it because of the poor condition, but I've happily added it to my collection. These are some of the colour illustrations that are still in good condition;

Maximilian Peek-A-Boo helping Master Alfred Rabbit

Alfred Rabbit and Matilda Peek-A-Boo at the Rabbit Ball

Matilda Peek-A-Boo, Mr. Rabbit and Baby Rabbit 

Matilda and Maximilian Peek-A-Boo

The Peek-A-Boos among the Bunnies is not for sale, but I do have a lovely copy of The Chummy book on my website. Now sold, thank you for your interest.
Chloe Preston provided the artwork for the front cover and 

this lovely colour plate.

Have you seen a copy of The Dumpty Dumpties or any other book illustrated by Chloe Preston? Do you like here illustrations?

32 comments:

  1. Hello Barbara,

    I haven't seen Chloe Preston's illustrations before, but I love them.
    The cute, big eyes and chubby cheeks are just adorable!

    Thank you so much for showing these :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Yvonne, I had a feeling you would like them, there is something very appealing about them.
      I enjoy sharing. Thank you for taking the time to call in and comment. Barbara.

      Delete
  2. Good afternoon dear friend!

    You know, this is the first time I've been exposed to both names, but I have seen these illustrations before! But as swiftly as bookstores are disappearing, quickly are the immediate resources fading that we can see such treasures in person. But I know that in my numerous visits to bookstores here and in Boston, Massachusetts, I have seen these darling drawings. They remind me of an era long past: art deco!

    I hope you are well and out of weather's harm's way. BE SAFE AND WARM! Anita

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Anita, thank you for calling it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.

      How exciting! I wonder if you saw a copy of the same book or maybe prints from it. I would love to know if you see them again.

      I've been watching the weather reports, and it looks awful in your part of the world. Our little Island is drenched, but at least it’s not freezing – thank goodness! Stay safe Anita, wrap up warm and drink lots of hot chocolate! xx

      Delete
  3. These are such sweet little characters! Thanks for sharing them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Glad you liked them Diane. Thanks so much for taking a look. Barbara.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a lovely book and gorgeous illustrations
    Julie xxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Julie, I had a lot of fun with this post. xx

      Delete
  6. Such distinctive illustrations, cute chubby faces! And the rabbit..! Happy New Year Barbara.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Lindsay, I agree about the rabbit - he is just scrumptious! Probably, the wrong word to use, but I know you understand what I'm trying to say!

      Delete
  7. Dearest Barbara!

    OH, lots of hot chocolate, tea, coffee, soup and sitting by the fire for us today! I did see that your island is sopping wet - so scary to be in a state of flooding! And we are out here being pushed over by strong winds and snow. Let's hold our breath and hope for a calmer day....SOON! BIG HUGS, Anita

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that is all we can do Anita. Stay safe. xxx

      Delete
  8. Such lovely illustrations ..... cute doesn't come into it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a wonderfully cute illustration style! I love the little girl dancing with Mr. Rabbit one!
    Wishing you a fantastic new year Barbara!!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jamie, I appreciate your visit & comment. Barbara

      Delete
  10. Sweet and beautiful illustrations. Thank you so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda, thank you for calling in and leaving a comment.

      Delete
  11. Such fun books. It's the illustrations that I love. I've never heard of this author so thanks for sharing these.

    ReplyDelete
  12. These illustrations are beautiful! I love the style and favorite is the one of Matilda and Maximilian Peek-A-Boo because of their expressions. I think it is wonderful that you and Beryl had such a nice conversation about a shared interest. :)

    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stephanie, it was good to chat with Beryl & it’s lovely to converse with you. Happy New Year, Barbara x

      Delete
  13. I have never seen these books before ... the illustrations are absolutely adorable.
    Hope you're managing to stay dry!
    M x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, just a tad damp around the edges but not bad considering how it is for others.
      I hope you are in a good spot well away from all the floods.
      Thanks for calling in. xx

      Delete
  14. ~ Helloooo, Barbara...Here at last! Phew happy of happiest new years to you and yours...
    LOVE and love some more the beautiful illustrations in these books..~ Most especially, Mr Alfred rabbit getting all 'poshed' up in his smartest clothes... and then being whisked off to the ball! Beautiful!
    ~ Keep well my lovely friend!
    Love Maria x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Maria, I can see how busy you are over at Bumblebee, and I am very honoured by your visit. How lovely to think of Mr. Rabbit being whisked off to the ball in his smartest clothes – thank you for always making me laugh Maria and thank you for your visit. Take care xx

      Delete
  15. Do I like the illustrations? They are so lovely! The thought of children's literature from that period reflecting the kind of love and chumminess children then experienced sent a warm wave through me. The baby rabbit sitting on Mr. Rabbit's lap reminds me of Olive sitting on my dad's lap. Yet another heartwarming post, Barbara!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Claudine, I’m so pleased! I thought you would like this one, but it’s nice to have it confirmed. I would love to see another picture of Olive, maybe you will share one on your blog? xx

      Delete
  16. Replies
    1. Hi Joleene, so glad you like them. Thanks for your visit.

      Delete
  17. A very cute find! :)

    ReplyDelete

I really appreciate your comment. Thank you!
Barbara xx