A charming Victorian Christmas page, "Fireside Fancies" was drawn by Hal Ludlow and published in The Illustrated London News in 1883. This is an original period wood engraving, not a modern reproduction.
At the center a young woman in a ruffled bustle gown and long train leans against the mantel, lost in thought, while her "fancies" drift around her in a collage of holiday scenes: a family gathered to watch a show, a stolen kiss under the mistletoe, a stout butler carrying in the Christmas pudding, a dashing couple on the ice, a young lady on a step stool hanging greenery with the curate's help, wide eyed children at a Punch and Judy style puppet show, and a jolly bass drummer. The detail is wonderful, from the lace on the gowns to the expressions on the children's faces.
The original Christmas number carried a verse by H. Savile Clarke to accompany the picture. The title and artist credit are printed in the lower margin, and the engraver's signature is cut into the block in the lower right of the central scene.
It has been professionally framed by Storaker Picture Framing of Grand Forks, North Dakota, with a charcoal mat that makes the black and white linework really stand out, and a gold beaded frame. Ready to hang.
• Title: Fireside Fancies
• Artist: Hal Ludlow (Henry Stephen Ludlow, British, 1861 to 1947)
• Publication: The Illustrated London News, 1883
• Medium: Original wood engraving on newsprint
• Frame: approx. 15 x 18 in, about 1 in deep
• Print sheet: approx. 10 x 13 in
• Glass front, wire hanger, dust cover
This print is one of four I’m offering from the same 1883 Christmas number of The Illustrated London News, all framed by the same shop with matching charcoal mats and gold beaded frames. They make a beautiful set for a gallery wall or holiday display. Please check my other listings to see the rest of the series, and message me if you’d like to purchase more than one. I’m happy to combine shipping.
Items are guaranteed to be authentic and in the condition described. I pack with care and use new (or clean used) professional packing products. All sales final except for misrepresentation which is rare, but always made right. I appreciate your business!