Seven Happy Days (1913) – Illustrated by Jessie M. King

Published in 1913 by The Studio magazine, Seven Happy Days is a charming and whimsical illustrated article showcasing the distinctive artistry of Jessie M. King. This delightful work captures the joy and imagination of childhood through a series of vignettes, each depicting a different “happy day” filled with playful adventures, fairy-tale motifs, and dreamlike landscapes. King’s illustrations—delicate, flowing, and rich in intricate detail—embody the Art Nouveau and Glasgow School styles, blending ethereal fantasy with a touch of Scottish folk influence. Her use of soft colors, sinuous lines, and decorative borders creates a lyrical visual narrative that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

A treasure of illustrated literature, Seven Happy Days remains a testament to Jessie M. King’s enchanting vision, offering readers and collectors a glimpse into the golden age of decorative book art.

About the Illustrator
Jessie Marion King (1875–1949) was a celebrated Scottish illustrator, painter, and designer, closely associated with the Glasgow School and the wider Art Nouveau movement. Known for her fairy-tale aesthetic and romantic sensibility, King illustrated numerous books, designed bookplates, and created jewelry and textiles. Her work often featured slender, graceful figures, floral motifs, and a dreamy, otherworldly quality. A prolific artist, King’s illustrations for Seven Happy Days exemplify her ability to merge storytelling with exquisite decorative art, making her one of Britain’s most beloved illustrators of the early 20th century.

Recommended for Collectors

• The High History of the Holy Graal (1908) – Another of King’s illustrated works, blending medieval romance with her signature style.
• The Studio magazine’s special illustrated editions – For more Art Nouveau and early 20th-century illustration gems.
• The Poems of Spenser (1906) illustrated by King – A poetic work enhanced by her dreamlike artistry.

Other Jessie Marion King illustrated works available in our gallery: The Defence of Guenevere, A House of Pomegranates, The High History of the Holy Graal, The Mummy’s Bedtime Story Book, Poems of Spenser, Habitation Forcee.

Art Gallery: Jessie M. King – Seven Happy Days 1913