My Painting Book

...With sketches by E. L. Shute, N. B. Bishop-Bulpeper, Walker Hodgson, E. Lewis, G Stoddart, R Simkin, W. W. Lloyd, &c. Softcover, 9.25 x 7 inches, 63 (i) pages. Outer chromolithograph covers are laminated to heavier wraps and are chipping at the corners and along the edges of the spine. Fragile but about Very Good condition overall. Inscribed "Kitty D. Crane, from Mrs. Ella MacDonald" Christmas, 1890. Contents otherwise clean and unmarked. "Designed at the London Studios and printed at The Art Works in Holland," only 1 copy is listed in OCLC.

The book contains a combination of pages with outlines for coloring in, interspersed with chromolithographs showing completed images. Pictures include fire engine, soldiers on horseback, a Swazi warrior, British Man O War ship, and a usual selection of kites and playful images. Best known for their postcards, Raphael Tuck & Sons also produced children's books and art supplies, later combining the two into novel "patent paintbox" books with built-in palettes. Advertisements for Raphael Tuck & Sons lines of paints and school art supplies on the inside covers. Included in a review of the company's publications in "The American Stationer" on July 3, 1890: "The house of Raphael Tuck & Sons has this year far surpassed all its former efforts in the book and booklet line and has spread before the trade and public as dainty a collection of artistic wares as could well be imagined."