Get a hand made painting of Delecta has kindly consented to give her cake lecture in the garden - Mabel Lucie Attwell

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Artist Biography

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Born: Mile End, London, 4 June 1879
Parents: Augustus Attwell (butcher) and Emily Ann Attwell
Education at Coopers' Company School and Regent Street Art School.
Initially studied at Heatherley’s and Saint Martin’s School of Art, but developed a preference for imaginative subjects over traditional art training.
Early sales to magazines like The Tatler and The Bystander marked the beginning of her professional career.

Development of Style and Major Works

Initially influenced by artists such as Hilda Cowham, Jessie Willcox Smith, John Hassall, and the Heath Robinson brothers.
Developed a distinctive style around 1914 characterized by sentimentalized, rotund, and cuddly depictions of children.
Illustrated numerous classic children's books:
- Mother Goose (1910)
- Alice in Wonderland (1911)
- Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales (1914)
- The Water Babies (1915)
- Peter Pan and Wendy (abridged edition, 1921)
Created the "Boo Boos," a series of fairy characters featured in books and merchandise.
Designed popular children's china ware for Shelley Potteries starting in 1926, including the iconic “Boo Boos” collection.
Illustrated greeting cards extensively for Valentine & Sons.

Commercial Success and Historical Significance

Achieved significant commercial success throughout her career, with her illustrations appearing on a wide range of products.
Her work resonated deeply with audiences during both World Wars, offering comfort and cheerfulness.
Became one of Britain's most popular commercial illustrators of the early to mid-20th century.
Her style influenced subsequent generations of children’s illustrators.
The continued publication of The Lucie Attwell Annual for a decade after her death demonstrates the enduring popularity of her work.

Later Life and Legacy

Married painter and illustrator Harold Cecil Earnshaw in 1908; they had one daughter, Marjorie, and two sons.
Continued to produce illustrations throughout her life, even contributing a comic strip, "Wot A Life," to the magazine Playbox in 1943.
Died at her home in Fowey, Cornwall, on November 5, 1964.
Her daughter, Marjorie, continued her business after her death.
Webster Wickham, Peggy's grandson, is now the licensing agent for Mabel Lucie Attwell’s work.
Today, Mabel Lucie Attwell is remembered as a beloved artist whose charming illustrations continue to bring joy to people of all ages.

Mabel Lucie Attwell

Mabel Lucie Attwell

1879 - 1964 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Nostalgic illustration
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Hilda Cowham
- Jessie Willcox Smith
- John Hassall
Date Of Birth: June 4, 1879
Date Of Death: November 5, 1964
Full Name: Mabel Lucie Attwell
Nationality: British
Notable Artworks:
- Mother Goose (1910)
- Alice in Wonderland (1911)
- Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales (1914)
- The Water Babies (1915)
Place Of Birth: Mile End, United Kingdom

Mabel Lucie Attwell: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Popular

O white little ball, So tender and small

O white little ball, So tender and small

Tommy spends the night in the tree

Tommy spends the night in the tree

Illustration for The Old Pincushion ( 'I know', said Phillippa quietly. )

Illustration for The Old Pincushion ( 'I know', said Phillippa quietly. )

Delecta has kindly consented to give her cake lecture in the garden

Delecta has kindly consented to give her cake lecture in the garden

Stopping for the Little Folk

Stopping for the Little Folk