There was an old woman who lived in a shoe

(click image to enlarge)

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe

After Margaret Tarrant

Price

£850

Medium

Watercolour

Dimensions

6 ¼ x 5 ¼ inches

Illustrated

Similar to Margaret Tarrant, Nursery Rhymes, London: Ward, Lock & Co, 1916, page 256

Exhibited

'The Illustrators: The British Art of Illustration 1807-2026' Chris Beetles Gallery, London, November 2026-January 2027, no 23

This illustration from Margaret Tarrant's Nursery Rhymes was republished many times in different formats over the next 80 years. it is likely that this monochrome version, adapted from the original colour version, was for a later publication, possibly by a publisher's in-house artist. Due to the costs and limited supplies of paper and ink during both world wars, it is possible it was for one published during either of the wars, research is ongoing.

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe;
She had so many children she didn't know
what to do.
She gave them some broth without any bread;
Then whipped them all soundly and put them
to bed.