The Water Babies by Eileen Soper Vintage Educational Poster Childhood Nostalgia
This poster measures 21” x 17”
This is one of a whole series of memorable posters, originally used for educational purposes, these posters were published around the 1930's and many adorned classroom walls with their timeless pictures.
Name of the artist on the poster is Eileen A Soper- the illustrator (working early 20th century.) this is one of a series of educational prints made for classroom display.
Eileen Soper 1905-1990
· Born 1905.
· Her etchings were first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1921 - she was the youngest ever exhibitor.
· She painted watercolours and also illustrated books.
· Soper illustrated about 50 Enid Blyton books including the whole of The Famous Five series.
· Died 1990.
Eileen Soper, Daughter of George Soper, produced about 180 different etchings, some of which she first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1921 making her at 15, the youngest ever exhibitor, two of her etchings were seen and bought by Queen Mary. She painted watercolours and illustrated many books including "The Famous five" series by Enid Blyton.
Eileen's Etchings of a particular group of children have enchanted not only the experts but have appealed to most people fortunate enough to see them. They were all produced in the twenties and even today, some 80 years later have not lost any of that original appeal.
The same children appear over and over again, taking part in all of the activities that one would expect of a child. Eileen’s secret is in being able to put so much life into her subjects that they almost bounce off the paper.
Signatures
Eileen Soper used two different signatures on her etchings. She only used the first E.A. Soper up to the age of 15 and this signature is very rare.
The other is - Eileen A. Soper this was used for all the rest of her etchings and varied considerably in style over the years, although the form never really alters. There are some etchings in circulation without signatures, these are mostly from a batch of etchings recovered from her home
Eileen produced around 180 different etchings, two of which were bought by Queen Mary.
Her set of etchings of a specific group of children are particularly popular.
The same set of children appear numerous times, enjoying different games and activities, and all these drawings were produced during the 1920's, but they are still hugely well-liked today.
Capturing life and movement
What endears so many people to her pictures is her rare ability to put life and movement into her subjects that they practically bounce off the page.
In the inter-war period, Eileen and father spent a lot of time together, painting in oil and water-colour.
Marks commensurate with normal usage; There are sets of staple holes in the upper border and a pinhole in each corner but the main print is great, framing would hide these marks.
Framed up this would be a real talking point in any home/ conservatory.
I will wrap it carefully and post in a strong cardboard tube.
Please contact me if you would like a particular subject as I have many different ones and will be listing others soon.
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