Saturday, December 6, 2014

"The Daily Mail Annual for Boys and Girls"


I picked this book up about 15 years ago for $1.50. There is no publishing date in the book but I did find this picture...


It reads "First family picture of T.H.R. Princess Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles." Prince Charles was born November 14, 1948.

This book was published in 1948, a little sleuthing pays off.


In Britain it is Father Christmas not Santa Claus who delivers the gifts on Christmas Eve.


The artist who illustrated this story has also illustrated other stories in the annual, it is difficult to read his signature but I think that it is Kurt Roberts.


I like how he portrays Father Christmas, Mother Christmas, and some of the toys, they have character, very interesting faces. Father Christmas is not a bland benevolent good guy.




There is an eight page colour section with instructions for making Christmas decorations. I wonder how many people could obtain the necessary materials to produce these items. This is right after the war and Britain was in the midst of rationing, I believe the rationing lasted until the mid 1950s; but where there is a will there is a way.









Go to my Etsy shop to purchase this Santa slipper, it is based on a handmade ornament in my collection. There are lots of other Christmas decorations for your home as well.

No comments: