The illustrations in this post are from an early reader for children called "A Primer by Bryce and Spaulding" (or, more specifically, by Catherine T. Bryce and Frank E. Spaulding). It was published in 1910.
What is frustrating about the illustrations in primers like these - and even those in magazines and sometimes children's books of this period - is that artists were not always credited. At best, we might find a monogram hidden in a corner of a drawing, giving just the slightest hint of who created these works.
We got lucky in these ones. "M E W" or, even better, "M. E. Webb" is found in each of these. With a love of research and a bit of time, I learned that the artist was one Margaret Ely Webb.
Her work is found in several early readers or primers, children's storybooks, and even magazines, like St. Nicholas. Several of her works are available to view digitally online. (Check out The Online Books Page for some links to her works. The University of San Diego even has a digital collection of several bookplates she designed! (They're awesome!)
Had you heard of this artist before? If you have a favorite vintage artist, please leave a comment - I'd love to check them out, too!
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