I distinctly remember my mother restoring an old tattered doll for me when I was little.
She would wash the doll’s clothes and perhaps give it some new shoes.
It was almost as good as having a new doll, except you could feel a bit of loving touch when you hugged her.
It’s like that for me when I restore an old piece of art.
I rescued this Antique book from 1918 by Johnny Gruelle.
I have always loved Raggedy Ann, and especially enjoyed reading her stories as a child. No one wanted this book because it was so tattered, scribbled on and the pages were even ripped. I have always loved the story of
Raggedy Ann.
I scanned the images and began a labor of love. As I erased the scratches and brought the color back to life, I thought of the care that Johnny Gruelle took to create these beautiful images.
I believe a child had scribbled on some pages, yet on others had carefully tried to trace Johnny Gruelles lines in his drawing.
Not too different than what I had done as I restored them back to life. Then added a pretty border.
In May 2008 I went to a wonderful Antique Fair called
Brimfields.
I met a lovely girl who framed old prints from books. I purchased this lovely Raggedy Ann one. I just love the frame too. I loved them, but I didn't want to take books apart, they just seem too precious to me.
I truly believe that she inspired me. As I saw all of her prints framed and lined on pretty shelves, I thought of all the lost books that hold these beautiful treasures. Well, someone has to rescue them. I found a beautiful video about
raggedy ann and a lovely ice skater.
I put the restored prints in my etsy shop
For The Love of Old Books, next to Alice, and Concord. The song for this post is
A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes.
I love Raggedy Ann. These pages are wonderful. Happy Wednesday...m.
What a delightful post again! Here there is no equivalent to raggedy Ann actually. Of course there are cloth dolls, but not one special. I wonder why not, as in the old days bisquit dolls were not available to all children. Love the pages! You are right to keep that book as a whole. I don't like it at all when pages are being torn out! Have a lovely day!
Oh Karen, my mother made Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for me when I got married. I had them sitting on our bed for years. I don't know what happened to them after I moved to Massachusetts, but your images bring back so many fond memories. I also love old books and you are fortunate to have the skills and tools to restore such marvelous prints. We too have a collection of wonderful childrens' books wth images that are so precious. How are you today, sweet and wonderful friend? Thinking of you, Anita
Hi Karen
You've done a lovely job restoring these pages. You know I love the book cover too all tattered and torn.. and well loved!! xx Julie
These drawings are so beautiful! I wonder if you could print out the restored pages to frame? Wouldn't they be beautiful framed in a childs room?
I too love Raggedy Ann. Your post is wonderfully evocative - thank you Karen!
Another charming post!
I had no idea there was a "story" of Raggedy Ann...I thought she was just a doll that became popular.
The books are lovely - and I just love what you're doing with them. What wonderful nods of respect to the past and to past artists.
Enjoy your day!
Karen,
See what you make me do. I had to go online and order an old copy of that book. It's a 1929 edition. Hope its all falling apart like yours. Love old books.
Took some pictures for my site, since I have my craft area that Richard made me last week in somewhat of an order, I thought I would attempt to sort out tons of old jewelry from family etc. There is even a picture of me, if you have been dying to see what I look like. I have to tell you I'm a lot cuter then the picture. HA.
Also did you look on Amazon at the price of some of those old Alice In wonderland books? Some are way up there in price. You have a great copy of both of your new old books.
Nancy Jo
Wonderful rescue, Karen. You just know that those old books aren't going to be used or enjoyed...they'll languish until they're tossed into a dumpster somewhere. I love what you are doing with them! And what darling illustrations to be forever lost. Too awful to consider.
Hmmmm... I wonder if I still have my old raggedy dolls at my mother's house... hmmmm
I love Raggedy Ann too. I still have a doll, and there's a wooden Raggedy Ann magnet on my fridge. :)
I'm so glad you are rescuing these wonderful pages, Karen - they'll be treasured for years to come!
They are beautiful Karen! My sister loved Raggedy Ann and Andy. She still has a collection of them today.
How wonderful that you are able to scan and recreate these beautiful images.
Karen! Those are wonderful! I will have to go visit your shop. I keep thinking that I need to make a Raggedy Ann. I've even bought a pattern from one of my favorite Raggedy makers. I need another 24 hours in my day!
This was magic. My first doll ever was a tiny soft raggedy ann. My Mom and Dad still have it and it gives me great joy. I have pictures of me mesmerized by the red yarn hair at just one or two months and stuffing it in my mouth etc. as a fave. Thanks for always making this a sweet visit. Blessings.
You know how I feel about Raggedy Ann! I'm so thrilled with my Christmas present!
What a wonderful post, Karen! I have loved Raggedy Ann since I first met her in a library when I was a very little girl. Then, a few years, ago I was able to buy a few of the really old books...the illustrations are so amazing. Your restoration work is amazing too! What a beautiful job! Hugs, Coralie
I have that very book, Karen! Mine was purchased at a library sale. You wouldn't believe some of the discarded treasures I have rescued over the years. I've not done any artwork with them as you have done, but then again, my daughter has not yet outgrown their stories. Do we ever? Maybe not. Have a blessed day in the Lord!
So sweet Karen--my daughter loved her Raggedy Anne and Andy dolls and I have been saving them for when she has children.
I love old book illustrations, and these are marvelous. When I was little, I had a Raggedy Ann you could dress and undress. When you got down to her bare chest she had a large heart that said I love you. I adored that doll. Thank you for reviving some wonderful memories.
Nancy
What an adorable post Karen ~ I love Raggedy Ann and your lovely old book you bought.
Your new blog header is wonderful!
Hope that you are having a great week
Hugs
Carolyn
Thank you for the nice comment on my blog. i looove Raggedy ann =)
Hello Karen,
I knew about her but today I learned more about her story...
Loved this post!
~ Gabriela ~
What a nice idea. A way to share the art with another generation or two, without destroying the original. I have fond memories of Raggedy Ann and Andy myself.
Thanks for sharing.
Kat
Oh No! Another of my loves-Raggedy Ann! How precious! laurie
I know nothing about Raggedy Ann.
Thank you Karen for your beautiful job!
I'm going to see video.
My best wishes for you my dear friend!
Restoring those prints was a labor of love. I couldn't tear a book apart either. No matter that it is in bad condition. I collect childrens' books and old readers. Such great art in the old books.
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