soozsnapz

By soozsnapz

The Tailor of Gloucester

A book by Beatrix Potter.  First published in 1902. Putting it here for Love Blipping Books - a kind of blip book group originally set up by blipper Squatbetty. The December choice simply had to have a connection with Christmas. 
Potter set the story in the 18th century. She went to Gloucester to sketch the old buildings, and the Victoria and Albert museum to sketch the clothes. 
I expect you know the story.  In brief, a poor old tailor has a commission to make a grand coat for the Mayor of Gloucester to be married in, on Christmas Day. He has a week to get it done.  On the first day, he cuts out all the various pieces, and then heads home for the night, through the snowy streets. He hears a strange sound in his kitchen - his cat has caught lots of mice, and put them under teacups to keep them trapped, ready for him to eat later.  The tailor is sad for them, and releases all the mice. That night he falls ill - and is so poorly he cannot rise from his bed for several days. Meanwhile the mice, who are so grateful to him, go to his nearby workshop, running down a passage behind the skirting boards, from house to house. They sew the coat together and embroider it with the finest stitches. On Christmas morning, the tailor is better at last, and goes to his workshop, but without hope, as there’s only a couple of hours left before he has to deliver the coat.  When he gets there, the mice have made the most exquisite garment - and there is just one buttonhole left to do.  The mayor is delighted, the tailor gets more high price commissions, and becomes well off financially, and able to live comfortably.  
I love the illustrations. 
PS I forgot to say, this is my copy, it must be at least 65 years old.

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