Complete archive of watercolours and pen and ink drawings for The Enchanted Capital of Scotlandwith The original annotated typescript, changes made in ink being mostly enacted for the published version.with First edition of the book in original dustwrapper, signed by Noel Fyfe listed in the book as 'the merchant'. Six framed ink and watercolour drawings on vellum, four of which are reproduced as double page spreads in the book, one of which is the dustwrapper design, and the final one is unpublished. Plus 45 sheets of ink drawings, comprising all the illustrations used in the book, plus one drawing of "The Call 1914" which is unused, many sheets annotated by Jessie M. King in green ink to lower margins. The condition of all items is very good, there is some dustiness and finger marking to the paper. Watercolours are bright and unfaded, one with a central crease and the watercolour for the dustwrapper with the original lettering layered over the painting.

A remarkable opportunity to see the original work, revisions and final (published) outcome of Jessie M. King's final book. One of the most notable things about the watercolours is that the palette used by Jessie is much more muted than the reproductions in the book. The originals are more reflective of the actual colours seen in and around Edinburgh, and less garish than the printed version.

The book describes a trip packed with discoveries, as a party of school children pay a visit to Edinburgh.

"Jessie made the whole book one extended design with drawings weaving in and out of the text... She filled each page with flowers, butterflies, elves, children and the architectural marvels of the city" writes her biographer, Colin White, "She drew the city as a child might see it, without perspective or modelling, capturing the feeling of wonder that the unsophisticated visitors must have had in first seeing the sights there."

The story bears the subtitle, "A Tale of Mystery and Adventure. From a story told by a Merchant of Edinburgh"
And the title page notes those involved in the books creation, "Retold in words by Isobel K. Steele; Retold in Pictures by Jessie M. King; Noel Fyfe, the merchant." In typically whimsical style Jessie has drawn portrait sketches of Fyfe, Steel and herself, her self portrait depicting her astride a broomstick, wearing her trademark buckled shoes and black hat and carrying paintbrushes.

Stock ID: 45529