Artist Spotlight: Mabel Lucie Attwell

In some ways, Mabel Lucie Attwell’s illustrations remind me of Honor C. Appleton’s. Adorable children? Check. Pastel colors? Check. Dripping with nostalgia? Check. Absolutely whimsical and gorgeous? Check!

 

The Facts:

 

Born: June 4th, 1879.

 

Studied: At Heatherley School of Fine Art and Saint Martin’s School of Art, though she left both schools before she completing her courses.

 

Illustrated: Magazines, postcards, books like Mother Goose and Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales, calendars, and even crockery (she created a tea set inspired by her illustrations).

 

Known for: Cute and whimsical drawings of children and fairies. She was a household name in the 1920s.

 

Died: November 5th, 1964.

For this post, I want to focus on her illustrations of Peter Pan, which she created for an abridged version of the story published in 1921. There’s a childlike quality to her pictures that works just beautifully. Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

 

 

 

 

 

Artist Spotlight: Alice B. Woodward

The Peter Pan Picture Book (1907)

Or, rather, Spotlight: The Peter Pan Picture Book, illustrated by Alice B. Woodward. The Peter Pan Picture Book was based on the original 1904 production of J.M. Barrie’s play and published in 1907, four years before his own novelization, Peter and Wendy. Alice B. Woodward created 28 colored plates for the book, which remained so popular it didn’t go out of print until 1982. At the time she was already a well-known artist, illustrating both children’s books and scientific papers. 

When it comes to Peter Pan, Alice B. Woodward’s illustrations are some of my favorites. 
 They capture the feel of the story perfectly, whether it’s adventurous, magical, creepy, or tragic. Take a look and see what you think!