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Description
Hi,

Here I am, trying to keep a tempo of Submissions going.

This one is an effort to explore the style of British illustrator, Thomas Henry (1879–1962).

Thomas Henry was famous for illustrating the stories of 'Just William' - the character of William Brown is well-known in the UK as an 11 year old schoolboy of unusual mischief and high spirits.

The stories were written in the early 1920's and the style of illustration reflects a contemporary fashion style and the social landscape of the time.

Since then, the stories have undergone some updating; but they all tend to retain some sense of being set in a nostalgic period. The 'Just William' stories were immediately popular and remain so.

William's not wicked, he's just very imaginative and misunderstood by a society of Middle-Class aspirations he finds bewildering and just plain illogical.

For years the William stories have been associated with the actor Martin Jarvis (b 1941) - he's a voice actor of uncommon talent and a velvety voice. In fact, Martin recently voiced Alfred Pennyworth in the Arkham Asylum series of Batman computer games.

Of interest to some people will be that the author of the stories, the intelligent and talented Richmal Crompton MA (1890 – 1969) wore a leg brace. Richmal was a school teacher and from 1923 onwards had to wear a leg-brace. Her right leg was ruined by polio. Richmal never let her leg get her down - in the Second War, she was part of the volunteer fire service!

Turning to Thomas Henry, he'd worked as a commercial illustrator since 1901. But was already publishing his work in the top-flight magazine - Punch - from about 1913.

Thomas had worked illustrating 33 William novels and lots more auxiliary William stories and merchandise from the very beginning. He died having not yet completed a William book! His style was flowing and really captured the time they were set. A very contemporary 'hatch' sort of style - very typical of Punch magazine and book illustration in the UK. A style of illustration epitomized by the incomparable cartoonist and fine artist - Sir Bernard Partridge (1861 – 1945).

This Submission borrows a prime color scheme from the William book jackets - lots of red and yellow. A typical tactic used to attract attention among crowded bookshelves. I also tried to get Velma into a rumpled sock - a very William trait. Along with a 1940's style ribbon bow and short trousers. The shorts being very much de rigueur for lads of school age.

Velma's peg leg will, I hope, be an asset if she wants to go climbing trees or doing tom-boyish antics of the sort William Brown would approve!

As always, I hope Velma amuses more than she offends.

Best wishes to those who stop by.

John

Description
Hi,

Here I am, trying to keep a tempo of Submissions going.

This one is an effort to explore the style of British illustrator, Thomas Henry (1879–1962).

Thomas Henry was famous for illustrating the stories of 'Just William' - the character of William Brown is well-known in the UK as an 11 year old schoolboy of unusual mischief and high spirits.

The stories were written in the early 1920's and the style of illustration reflects a contemporary fashion style and the social landscape of the time.

Since then, the stories have undergone some updating; but they all tend to retain some sense of being set in a nostalgic period. The 'Just William' stories were immediately popular and remain so.

William's not wicked, he's just very imaginative and misunderstood by a society of Middle-Class aspirations he finds bewildering and just plain illogical.

For years the William stories have been associated with the actor Martin Jarvis (b 1941) - he's a voice actor of uncommon talent and a velvety voice. In fact, Martin recently voiced Alfred Pennyworth in the Arkham Asylum series of Batman computer games.

Of interest to some people will be that the author of the stories, the intelligent and talented Richmal Crompton MA (1890 – 1969) wore a leg brace. Richmal was a school teacher and from 1923 onwards had to wear a leg-brace. Her right leg was ruined by polio. Richmal never let her leg get her down - in the Second War, she was part of the volunteer fire service!

Turning to Thomas Henry, he'd worked as a commercial illustrator since 1901. But was already publishing his work in the top-flight magazine - Punch - from about 1913.

Thomas had worked illustrating 33 William novels and lots more auxiliary William stories and merchandise from the very beginning. He died having not yet completed a William book! His style was flowing and really captured the time they were set. A very contemporary 'hatch' sort of style - very typical of Punch magazine and book illustration in the UK. A style of illustration epitomized by the incomparable cartoonist and fine artist - Sir Bernard Partridge (1861 – 1945).

This Submission borrows a prime color scheme from the William book jackets - lots of red and yellow. A typical tactic used to attract attention among crowded bookshelves. I also tried to get Velma into a rumpled sock - a very William trait. Along with a 1940's style ribbon bow and short trousers. The shorts being very much de rigueur for lads of school age.

Velma's peg leg will, I hope, be an asset if she wants to go climbing trees or doing tom-boyish antics of the sort William Brown would approve!

As always, I hope Velma amuses more than she offends.

Best wishes to those who stop by.

John