Last winter (Dec. 9, 2023) I mentioned the many gifts I’d received from my godparents. That got me taking a look at my old Rupert the Bear annuals, which came out at Christmas time. Bringing back many happy childhood memories, they seemed the perfect visuals for my annual holiday greetings.
This one is from an actual Christmas card, entitled High on a Tree the Fairy Stands and Alfred Bestall (1892-1986) is the illustrator credited:
Here’s a few more, taken from various annuals from the late 1950’s, all of which I still possess. All are drawn by Bestall, although no credit is given in the books. To my mind, each picture evokes such terrific childhood pleasures:
The village shop window.
Decorating the tree.
Santa Claus on his Christmas Eve rounds.
These illustrations continue to delight me, all these years later. I hope you find them equally so.
Let me thank each and every reader for taking the time to look at these random biweekly thoughts and taking the time to “like” what you’ve read. I really appreciate it.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday, and a prosperous new year. I’ll see you again in late January.
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