Victorian Boys and Girls Engravings From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

I found when I was looking at all the illustrations from the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book published in 1889 that I was really drawn to the illustrations that were engraved.  I found the engraving process intriguing and, of course, had to find out more.

According to Wikipedia:  Engraving is the practice of incising a design onto a hard, usually flat surface by cutting grooves into it with a burin. The result may be a decorated object in itself, as when silver, gold, steel, or glass are engraved, or may provide an intaglio printing plate, of copper or another metal, for printing images on paper as prints or illustrations; these images are also called "engravings". Engraving is one of the oldest and most important techniques in printmaking.

After learning how they create these beautiful illustrations I was even more in awe of the the amazing detail with each.  I was especially in awe of the unbelievable facial expressions they were able to achieve.

I hope after looking at all the amazing illustrations below and the blown-up sections of the facial features you would agree.

The illustration above was in the December 8, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 58.  It was entitled "At Your Service!" and was from the painting by J.G. Brown, N.A.

Just look at the details on the little boys eyes and the tears in his clothing.

Victorian Christmas Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

I decided that one of my all time favorite illustrations that I saw in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Books was the one that appeared on page 97 of the December 29, 1888 weekly.

I love it for three reasons: 1) The most adorable Santa figure I've seen;

Victorian Illustrations of Real Life From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

Not all the illustrations in the Harper's Young People weekly's were of joy or celebration.  Some were of the grim reality of life and the event of the day.

Such was the case with the illustration above appeared in the December 15, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 76.  It was entitled " The doctor drew the man's left hand to him and felt his pulse" and was part of a story entitled "Uncle Peter's Trust" written by George B. Perry about a dying man.

You can just feel the sorrow and compassion in the room for this man as he lay dying.

The illustration above appeared in the December 1, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 40.  It was entitled "Frank was contented to lie still while she chattered to him."  It was drawn for the story entitled "Floride's Patient. A True Story of the War." written by Bertha Watson.

You can just feel the compassion the young girl has for the young man in the hospital bed and her desire to cheer him up.

The illustration above appeared in the March 30, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 312.  It was entitled "The boy murmured softly to his mute playmate and toyed with his ears."

There is no doubt the mother above is concerned for her sick child and her need to comfort him.  Even the family dog tries to do what he can.

I hope you enjoyed the Victorian illustrations of real life shown above.

Victorian Mother's and Children Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

There's nothing quite like looking at the different expressions of family members within gatherings - especially the expressions of mother's and children.

You cannot help but feel the despair in the face of the mother from the illustration above that appeared in the July 27, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 580. It was entitled "Homeless" and was drawn for the poem "Homeless" written by Dora Read Goodale.

The illustration above appeared in the February 9, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 670. It was entitled "Celestial Geography." The captions were: "Charlie (recently promoted to the study of geography, and much interested in the same.) "Mamma, do all the big countries have capitals?" Mamma. 'Yes, Dear."  Charlie. "Then what's the capital of heaven?"

For the above you can see the questioning look on the boy and the surprised look on the mother who is trying to decide how to answer that question.

Victorian Children and Animals Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

One of the things that delighted me so much with the illustrations from the Harper's Young People weekly was the number of illustrations of Victorian children with animals, like the illustration above that appeared in the August 31, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 670. The illustration was entitled "Getting ready for a walk."

When I was a young girl I can remember times when we found bird's nests with baby birds in them that seemed to be abandoned by their mothers.  We always tried to help the little babies and would take them home and with the help of our Dad try to feed them.  I can remember using a little eye dropper to feed them water and digging up worms to feed them.  Unfortunately we weren't successful in our endeavors.

Victorian Children At Play Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

There's nothing more delightful than watching young children play.  As a young child I have such fond memories of playing with my older brother or friends.  We were usually outside running around, playing a sport, riding our bikes, playing on the beach and looking for crabs, or getting into trouble with our antics.....lol

Seems times have drastically changed for children as I rarely see any children playing outside anymore.

So, of course I was drawn to the Victorian images of children playing like the illustration above which appeared in the December 8, 1888 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book from 1889 on page 46.  It's entitled "The Only Boy In The Family."

In looking at the illustration you might think it was labelled wrong and that the child is a girl.  Well, it seems in the Victorian era boys and girls clothing was indistinguishable. There was a practical reason for why boys worn dresses and it has to do with diapers and potty training.  It would have taken way too much time for changing a little boy.  It was so much easier to just lift the dress. Unbuttoning Victorian trousers was way too time consuming for mothers and way too difficult for little boys to do.

I just love the illustration above entitled 'The Gossips."  It appeared in the July 6, 1889 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book on page 540.  How adorable are these two? Wonder what they were talking about?

Victorian Annie and Victorian Andy - Just Love Being Victorian

I've made and designed many "raggedies" over the years.  Most are primitive style dolls, but two of the raggedies I designed were "Victorian."

They just happen to be two of my favorite designs. Hmmmmm....   Now why would that be?

Helena Is The Epitome Of A Tough, Old Gray! - "Gray Is Beautiful Series"

Helena is proud of her beautiful grayish white hair. She's a tough old bird and can definitely handle anything that is thrown at her.

The reason for that is that there is nothing in life that Helena hasn't seen or done. Everything she's learned to do she has taught herself.

She's street smart, wise, prudent, loyal, feisty, and delicate, too. After all she is a female. She may be tough but she still likes frilly, feminine things like lace trimmed dresses and lace shawls.

Helena kind of reminds me of the two old biddies from the movie "Gone With The Wind." You might see her walking down the street conversing with everyone and definitely letting them know her opinion on different subjects.

Of course, she's also the one you turn to when you need advice for you can always count on her. If Helena says she'll do something then she will.


“Helena” is a tough old bird and can handle anything that is thrown at her. There is nothing in life she hasn’t seen or done.

“Helena” is a PROUD member of the “Gray Is Beautiful!” Club.


She has beautiful whitish gray hair underneath her straw bonnet. She is a free-standing cloth doll with an embroidered face, lace trimmed dress with lace insert and floral ribbon decoration, lace trimmed slip, and lace shawl. Her bonnet had velvet ribbon ties, velvet ribbon band, and a floral ribbon decoration.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Grandpa Lewis - On An Expedition! Is A Handsome Gray

"Grandma Aura May - On An Expedition!" is ready to go. She's been ready for over a year and is anxious to get started on her expedition with "Grandpa Lewis - On An Expedition!"

"Grandpa Lewis - On An Expedition!" isn't as anxious to go. He loves to please his wife, but is really more of a homebody and would prefer to stay home working on his coin and stamp collections.

Grandma Aurora May loves a good adventure and loves finding new places and new venues to explore. She'd rather spend all day looking for a great site for a picnic and always looks forward to their annual expedition to the beach.

Her main reason is that she loves to spend time with her grandchildren and loves cooking for them.

It's not that Grandpa Lewis doesn't love his grandchildren - he adores them. It's just he doesn't have a lot of patience for his grand children's boundless energy and "ants in their pants" inability to sit still. After one day at the beach with the grandchildren he's ready to go home.

Grandma Aurora May tells him to lighten up a bit. That's the way children are. Full of energy. Exploring everything. What's wrong with that?

Well, Grandpa Lewis doesn't mind enthusiasm and willingness to learn. He just can't stand little idle hands playing with the cherished coins in his coin collection and touching all the stamps in his stamp collection.

And he can't leave his collections at home while he's on a three month expedition to the beach. He'd go stir crazy without something to keep him occupied all that time.

Grandma Aurora May really does understand her husband and knows that she has to keep him happy or their won't be anymore expeditions to the beach. And, that she wouldn't be happy about. So, each and every year she tells the grandchildren that Grandpa Lewis's stamp and coin collections are off limits.

Most of the time the grandchildren listen. Sometimes, however, there are those idle hands.......

"Grandpa Lewis - On An Expedition" is a 15" Victorian Grandfather cloth doll with watercolor penciled face. His boots are cross-tied and painted black.

Grandpa Lewis is wearing his favorite plaid suit with his favorite blue collared shirt. His plaid pantaloons are gathered and his plaid jacket is lined with a gathered bottom section. His lined jacket with lapels has two buttons and is tied with a plaid sash. He has a gray mustache and his gray roving hair is long and thick and tied in a ponytail at the back of his neck.

He fancies himself quite the gentleman and expert on rare coins and stamps. Now if he could just keep his grandchildren away from his coin and stamp collection. He loves his grandchildren but thinks they need to learn the value of a rare coin and stamp collection and how destructive idle hands can be.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Grandma Aurora May - On An Expedition Is A Beautiful Gray

"Grandma Aura May - On An Expedition!" is ready to go. She's been ready for over a year and is anxious to get started on her expedition with "Grandpa Lewis - On An Expedition!"

"Grandpa Lewis - On An Expedition!" isn't as anxious to go. He loves to please his wife, but is really more of a homebody and would prefer to stay home working on his coin and stamp collections.

Grandma Aurora May loves a good adventure and loves finding new places and new venues to explore. She'd rather spend all day looking for a great site for a picnic and always looks forward to their annual expedition to the beach.

Her main reason is that she loves to spend time with her grandchildren and loves cooking for them.

It's not that Grandpa Lewis doesn't love his grandchildren - he adores them. It's just he doesn't have a lot of patience for his grand children's boundless energy and "ants in their pants" inability to sit still. After one day at the beach with the grandchildren he's ready to go home.

Grandma Aurora May tells him to lighten up a bit. That's the way children are. Full of energy. Exploring everything. What's wrong with that?

Well, Grandpa Lewis doesn't mind enthusiasm and willingness to learn. He just can't stand little idle hands playing with the cherished coins in his coin collection and touching all the stamps in his stamp collection.

And he can't leave his collections at home while he's on a three month expedition to the beach. He'd go stir crazy without something to keep him occupied all that time.

Grandma Aurora May really does understand her husband and knows that she has to keep him happy or their won't be anymore expeditions to the beach. And, that she wouldn't be happy about.

So, each and every year she tells the grandchildren that Grandpa Lewis's stamp and coin collections are off limits.

Most of the time the grandchildren listen. Sometimes, however, there are those idle hands.......

"Grandma Aurora May - On An Expedition" is a 16" Victorian Grandmother cloth doll with watercolor penciled face. Her boots are cross-tied and painted black. She is wearing gathered and lace trimmed bloomers and a gathered slip.

Her fancy Victorian expedition outfit has a dress bodice with a lined lace trimmed front band, double rowed lace trimmed over sleeves, and lace trimmed neck edge. The dress skirt portion of her fancy Victorian dress also has a double row of lace trim and is made of a coordinating striped fabric. Satin ribbon is tied around the waistline and a stain ribbon bow adorns the front of her dress.

She has a full head of gray thick roving hair fastened in a puff. Her bonnet matches the bodice of her dress and is lined and lace trimmed. She is carrying a wicker basket with lining and ribbon trims.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Sweetheart Faith Is The Sweetest Snow Lady Around! - "Gray Is Beautiful Series"

"Sweetheart Faith!" is just the sweetest snow-lady you'd ever want to meet. She just loves her life, loves being outside, and especially loves being in the garden.

Even though she's been growing flowers for decades she's still amazed by their beauty. There isn't a flower or plant that she can't identify or any flower or plant that she can't nurse back to health.

She has quite the "green thumb" for a snow-lady and is the envy of all the "ladies" in her Victorian gardening club. If you've got a gardening question - ask "Sweetheart Faith!"

Got a sick plant - give it to "Sweetheart Faith!" Need help designing your Victorian garden - ask "Sweetheart Faith!" Need a floral arrangement for a special occasion - ask "Sweetheart Faith!" to help you. Anything and everything floral - ask "Sweetheart Faith!"

"Sweetheart Faith!" is a 14" squared bottomed self-standing Victorian snow-lady warm & natural cloth doll. She has an embroidered face with black bead eyes, resin carrot nose, outline embroidered mouth, and blushed cheeks.

She has a full head of straight gray mohair hair that is barely controlled under her lace trimmed and gathered bonnet.

She is wearing a scalloped eyelet lace slip that is gathered at the waist. Her sleeveless dress is lace trimmed on the bottom and gathered at the neck.

She has a felt jacket with top stitching along all the edges and lace trimmed front pockets. Her jacket is secured in the front with a button and two large fringed scarves are tied around her neck and then in a knot in the front.

"Sweetheart Faith!" has such a "green thumb" that she's won the award for the best grown orchids five years in a row. Plus, she's won the award for the best variegated violets three years in a row. "Sweetheart Faith!" certainly knows her flowers and plants.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Susan Renee Is My Beautiful Gray! And, She Knows It! - "Gray Is Beautiful Series"

Susan is a big, big, big snob. Can't you tell that already?

She wants to be called "Susan Renee" and not just "Susan."

Well, whoop-de-do, I say!"

Susan, Oh, excuse me.... Susan Renee is extremely demanding, articulate, knowledgeable, well-read, wealthy and aggressive. She has a mind for business and knows where every penny of her fortune is.

And, if you want to inherit some of that then you have to earn it. Don't try to contradict her or disagree with her for "Susan Renee" is always right.

She wears her beautiful head of gray hair proudly. She has earned every gray hair on her head and is proud of it.

Susan Renee knows what she wants and, always, gets it. Her goal in life is to sit on the board of the top 5 Fortune 500 companies.

She has a mass of straight gray hair all over her head which she has fastened into a bun on the back of her head and adorned with a ribbon tied in a bow.

She is a free standing doll with a cloth body and embroidered face, light blue buttons for eyes, lace trimmed slip, lace trimmed dress with a ruffle on the bottom and a lace trimmed center strip adorned with 5 large buttons, large wired ribbon bow which adorns the lower part of her dress, and an old tattered lace trimmed hanker-chief for a shawl. She is coffee stained throughout.

“Susan Renee” can be very judgmental.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Rebecca Is One Beautiful "Faceless" Doll - "Gray Is Beautiful Series"

I love "faceless" dolls as I believe that without their faces the doll's personality can speak for itself. You tend to look at the whole doll for her beauty versus just looking at her face.

There is a quiet beauty to "faceless" dolls and "Rebecca" is one of those quiet beauties. She is new doll from our "faceless" colonial boys & girls series.

She and her two friends, "Ursula At Play" and Ursula's brother, "Zacheus At Play!" are a tight knit group of boys and girls. They are all "faceless" colonial beauties who just love hanging out together. Rebecca is the most dignified of the group and the most studious.

Ursula and Zacheus are much more playful and love to tease each other as only "brothers & sisters" can. They pay attention to their studies, but when their done - well, they just love to play.

Whether it's the gentleness that surrounds her, the colors of her outfit, the way her hair is fashioned, or her intricate beauty Rebeca is a beautiful Colonial doll.

Rebecca's quiet beauty speaks to her quiet nature, gentle disposition, and inner grace. She is a beautiful, graceful, lady like Colonial doll.

"Rebecca" is a 12" Colonial "faceless" cloth doll with muslin body and blushed cheeks . Her boots are painted black and cross-laced. Rebecca has a mass of curly gray yarn hair all over her head.

She is wearing lace trimmed pinafore bloomers that are gathered at the waist. Her slip is lace trimmed pinafore and gathered at the waist, as well.

Rebecca's blue blouse has 2 layers of lace trim along the sleeve hem and is gathered at the neck which is adorned with lace trim. Her beautiful striped skirt has gathered lace trim and straight lace trim along the bottom hem edge and is gathered at the waist. A lace edged and matching sash is tied around her waist and knotted in the front.

Rebecca's bonnet matches her blue blouse and is lined and ties in a bow just under her neck. She also has a lace crocheted old handkerchief which is delicately wrapped around her shoulders for a shawl and then knotted in the front.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals
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Our Adorable Little Guy - Elmer - Victorian Boy Doll

One of my most popular e-patterns continues to be "Elmer's Little Boy." It's not difficult to see why that is. He's just so cute you just want to squeeze him. As a result, he gets squeezed a lot.

Elmer's Little Boy" is so cute you just want to squeeze him. With a big pot belly and big ears he has loads of charm. Worse - he knows it and uses it to his every advantage. He can charm them young, he can charm them old, male or female. It doesn't matter. They all succumb to his charm and that impish gleam in his eyes.

I Just Love These Victorian Graphics

I am definitely a lover of all things Victorian, including graphics. Here's a few of my favorites from Karen Watson's The Graphics Fairy:




I have Karen's website bookmarked as I just love her graphics and love including them in some of my blog posts.


Here's Karen's terms of use:

I have to confess I have a paper addiction! I've decided to share many pieces from my huge collection of vintage and antique paper items here on my site. Selections will include old wallpaper, early photos, advertising pieces, Victoriana scraps, and other assorted ephemera. These images are suitable to use in your collages, for scrapbooking, or as clip art for web design etc and they are free!

The Graphics Fairy is an angel company. Which means you can use these images to make a product that you intend to sell. There are a few rules though so please read below:

1. The graphics are free however you may not use more than 4 of the clip art images in any single product.
2. In order to use these lovely visuals you will need to save them to your computer. In order to do this first- click on the item that you would like (this will open a window with a much larger image) second - right click the larger image and select "save as" in the pop up box, and then click the save button in the lower right hand corner of the box.
3. Do not link directly to the images.
4. If you use these on your blog, website etc. Please include a link back to this site.
5. Have fun!

Please respect Karen's TERMS OF USE: - The Graphics Fairy is an Angel Company. You are free to use all clip art and photos, with the exception of the banner, in any of your projects created for resale or pleasure. Please do not use more than 4 of the graphic images within any one project, or single blog/website page. A link to the Graphics Fairy is very much appreciated, when including clipart on your blog or website. Thank you!

Copyright © 2007 - 2009 - All Rights Reserved - Karen Watson. Karen is the owner of The Graphics Fairy/ and Fleurish a brick and mortar store located in Leesburg, Virginia that specializes in well priced vintage furniture, stylish lamps, Italian paper products, and French glassware.

I'd love to incorporate some of her graphics into a product. My problem is that I love them all which means it would be difficult, if not impossible, for me to choose which one. Maybe someday I'll have some time to create some. In the meantime, I'll continue to love her blog posts.

Graphics courtesy of Karen Watson of The Graphics Fairy

Brr....It's Cold Outside, Bruce! He Just Loves To Skate! - Victorian Snowman Doll

"Brr...Why Is It So Cold, Laura! " is a very unusual snow-lady. You see, she really doesn't like the cold weather. She's much rather stay inside her finely decorated "pink lady" Victorian house than be outside in the cold. However, she promised her son, "Brr... It's Cold Outside, Bruce!" that she'd take him to the Victorian skating party at Regency Park this weekend.

Bruce just loves to skate and is getting quite good at it. In fact, he's won several figure skating trophies which his mother has displayed on the living room mantle. But, he doesn't just love figure skating. He loves ice hockey too and is also very accomplished at that sport as well. So much so that everyone wants him on their team.

"Brr...It's Cold Outside, Bruce!" is a 9" three-tiered self-standing Victorian snowman warm & natural cloth doll. He has an embroidered face with X-crossed eyes, resin carrot nose, X-crossed embroidered mouth, and blushed cheeks. He has a full head of straight mohair hair which is barely controlled under his flannel Sculley cap. He is wearing his favorite lined and coordinated Victorian jacket with top stitching, and cuffed sleeves. His jacket is secured in the front with three buttons. A fringed flannel scarf is wrapped around his neck and tied in a knot in the front. His skates are flung over his shoulder and he is carrying his newspaper sack. He figured he might as well deliver his papers on the way to the skating party.

Bruce is looking forward to the skating party at Regency Park. Laura would much rather stay inside where it's warm.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

A Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy! Victorian Scarecrow Doll

Despite his name "I'm A Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy!" is not very refined - at least, according to his sister "I'm A Proper Scarecrow, Nancy!"

Nancy's hoping she can help her brother, Jimmy and turn him into a right proper and respectable Victorian. The problem is he is a boy and a scarecrow to boot! But, Nancy thinks that doesn't mean he can't be Victorian and can't be the proper gentleman at all times.

After all, Victorian males are also well known for their manners and etiquette and since Nancy has plenty of that she figures she can transform Jimmy.

Nancy knows that she has been well trained and has no doubt she can teach her brother how to behave in a mannerly fashion. She is so confident of her skills that she is even willing to teach him how to dance. And, if you've ever taught your brother how to dance - well, you know how that goes!

Jimmy is willing to give all this a try. He loves his sister - after all and will do his best to see that she doesn't fail. He knows he can do it and also secretly knows that he really is every bit as refined and proper as Nancy is. But, he can't let her know that. He has to have a little fun - after all he is a boy and a scarecrow.

"I'm A Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy!" is a 12" Victorian scarecrow doll. Jimmy is a self-standing scarecrow cloth doll. He has an embroidered and watercolor pencil painted face. He is wearing a multi colored and coordinating shirt with gathered sleeves, a lined and coordinating jacket with pockets, flaps, lapels, collar and cuffs. He's also sporting a lined and coordinating Sculley cap. He has a full head of wonderful string hair that just his demeanor.

He is definitely refined - and, quite proud of himself. I hope you like "I'm A Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy!" His sister "The Proper Scarecrow, Nancy!" was released yesterday. Nancy's got her work cut out for her to get Jimmy ready for all the social events of the season. She thinks he's just not as refined as he needs to be - at least, not yet! Jimmy, on the other hand, knows better. They just don't get much more refined than Jimmy! Just don't tell Nancy!

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals