This adorable and beautiful print titled “Cow” is from the book Our Little Neighbours published in 1921 by Humphrey Milford Oxford University Press. The animals are described by Charles John Kaberry (1883-1962) and illustrated by Edward Julius Detmold (1883 – 1957). Kaberry was an English author of numerous children books. Kaberry and Detmold also collaborated on “The Book of Baby Dogs”. The illustrations of Edward Detmold are all similar in their amazing attention to detail, pastel coloring, and backgrounds that make the primary image come to life.

Edward J. Detmold and his twin brother Charles Maurice were prolific Victorian book illustrators. Born in 1883 in London, they were tutored by an uncle who fostered their artistic talent and a love for natural history. From an early age they worked on compiling a portfolio of colour etchings of animals and flowering plants. In 1908 at the age of twenty-four Maurice suddenly committed suicide leaving Edward stunned by his death. He continued with his work which included the 23 color tipped in plates and numerous pen and ink chapter heads he completed for The Fables of Aesop. It was this set of illustrations that practically defined him to his publishers and their patrons alike. During the next decade he completed a huge body of work including many children’s books that had a nature theme, including this illustration from Fabre’s Book of Insects. After the release of The Arabian Nights in 1924 he retired to Montgomeryshire, Wales where he also committed suicide in 1957, after suffering a period of depression possibly brought on by his failing eyesight.

This print is what is known as a “tipped in plate” – an illustration that is not bound into a book but is glued in on one edge (although in this book all four edges have been adhered to the cardstock page). Used when printing processes could only accommodate line drawings, a photograph or color illustration might be tipped in. A book might have only one, in the front, or perhaps a very small number and as they were considered very special. This illustration has been attached to a heavier piece of tan cardstock for insertion in the book. While the text pages of the book had gold gilt along the top page edge they were of a low grade paper and have experienced a great deal of fading with time, yet the tipped in plates are still as striking and vibrant as when first published over 90+ years ago.

The rough edge from the binding has been removed but that is the only "altering" that has taken place (the interior edge is trimmed). Prints are carefully mounted on mats to simplify framing after purchase and to protect the print during display and or shipment. All mat materials are acid and lignin free, the actual print is not archival safe. The original book measured approximately 8-1/2 x 11” but the book plate is being sold custom matted to fit in a standard 11x14 frame.

Vintage book illustrations are always the perfect decorating choice for any room in your home or office. They also make great gifts for any occasion – a birthday, a new baby, wedding, housewarming, or special holiday - as they are always unique and unusual. Browse our store for other antique illustrations in this series to complete a matching wall grouping or for other areas of interest.

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