1847 – Don rescues Malcolm

“Don rescues Malcom” is a full page book plate illustration from “Green’s Nursery Annual”, published by Darton & Clark, for 1847. The book contains a number of colour illustrations by Weir, some of the earliest known. In this case, a wee Scottish boy gets himself stranded while out and about, and the family dog “Don” finds him and goes to fetch bread for him. He also eventually brings help. This is the earliest of many similar anecdotes illustrated by Weir over a 50 plus year period. We know that this particular artwork was likely to have been produced in 1846, as a gift inscription inside the book is dated Christmas of that year. The colours in this illustration are vibrant, having already lasted for nearly 170 years. The enlargements in the details provided, attest to that. Weir formed a long and lasting friendship with the Darton publishing family. One member of the family wrote a tribute to Weir which is included on this site. An ideal print for a young person’s bedroom, currently available in A4, A3 and A2 sizing options.