Jessie Willcox Smith & a Little Contest

 

 

 

 

One of the rare images from my Green Tiger Press archive is the one shown here by Jessie Willcox Smith, "Washing Day for Doll Clothes". The sentimental way in which she captures moments from childhood reminds me in this particular instance of the illustrations from the "Dick and Jane" readers that I grew up with as a child of the 1950's.

Vintage collectors know that often we try to collect the essence of our childhood, what we delighted in at Grandma's house, the favorite casserole dish of our Mom. I suppose my attraction to the Green Tiger Press images that led me to collect them close to a generation ago could be explained in that way. I love classic children's books and their timeless illustrations and have surrounded myself with them all my life.

What do you collect that reminds you of your childhood? Please leave a comment below and at the end of the week (next Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 at 11:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Saving Time), I will hold a drawing with a number generated at random.org and send the winner an image from my Green Tiger Press archive.

Hint: in addition to answering the question about your personal collections, please mention a favorite fairy tale or character from children's literature, and I'll do my best to select a Green Tiger Press card that complements that theme for the winner. Thanks, and happy reminiscing!

Home is in My Mother's Eyes by Jessie Willcox Smith

Home is in My Mother's Eyes by Jessie Willcox Smith, originally uploaded by confections.

One of my favorites by Jessie Willcox Smith from my Green Tiger Press archives.

"Secret Garden" by Jessie Willcox Smith

Secret Garden by Jessie Willcox Smith, originally uploaded by confections.

This is one of my favorite images printed by the Green Tiger Press back in its heyday. "Secret Garden" by Jessie Willcox Smith (1863 -1935) appeared in Good Housekeeping magazine in 1922.

This notecard was exactingly reproduced by the legendary Green Tiger Press in San Diego, California, in-house on a four-color Heidelberg printing press in the early 1980's. It displays all the attention to detail for which the Green Tiger Press was justifiably famous.

It is a reminder of childhood days and encourages me to cultivate my garden this spring.

Gardening by Jessie Willcox Smith

Gardening by Jessie Willcox Smith, originally uploaded by confections.

I've been delving into my vintage images from the Green Tiger Press lately in preparation for listing some in my Etsy shop. Jessie Willcox Smith's illustrations have always evoked nostalgia for childhood for me. This one is no exception. I am no gardener, I have no green thumb, but my Mother does. I see her in this image.

She and my father created many beautiful gardens at their various residences over the years. I will share images of them throughout the spring months.

When my Mom was visiting in March, we went to a favorite bookstore and I bought her a lovely gardening book with painterly photos of flowers--her joy.

I may have to dust off my Western Garden Book to see if I can make magic in my flower beds this season....