1880 Circa – The Careless Young Sparrow

This charming work is a small full-page book-plate image entitled “The Careless Young Sparrow”, from an undated children’s book, “Little Favourites – Picture Album”, published by Miles & Miles, of London. Our expectation is that it was produced somewhere between 1880 and 1895, but as yet, we have not confirmed the date of publication. The work shows a Sparrow fledgling which on reaching into a pail for a drink, has fallen in and on hearing his cries for help, a number of sparrows nearby have come to his rescue, placing enough material in the water for him to gain a footing. Although such incidences of birds coming to the aid of each other were not unknown, few such stories have been so well illustrated. In this instance, with the rescuers coming from all directions and each seen to be playing an integral role in the rescue. Another delightfully constructed piece of art from the pencil of Weir, which we are pleased to be able to preserve. Engraved by T.Cobb. Available in A4, A3 and A2 sizing options.