Childhood (1907) – Written by Githa & Millicent Sowerby, Illustrated by the Authors

Childhood (1907) is a charming and delicately crafted collection of poems and illustrations that capture the innocence, wonder, and quiet melancholy of early youth. Authored and illustrated by sisters Githa Sowerby and Millicent Sowerby, the book was published by Chatto & Windus, a respected British firm known for its support of literary and artistic talent during the Edwardian era.

The book includes short verses that reflect a child’s imaginative world—ranging from gentle lullabies and pastoral observations to reflections on toys, dreams, and moments of solitude. The tone is gentle and wistful, often tinged with a Victorian sensibility that values simplicity and emotional sensitivity.

Millicent Sowerby’s illustrations complement the poems with soft, graceful watercolors and ink drawings. Her style is closely associated with the Art Nouveau and Golden Age of Illustration movements, drawing comparisons to the work of Kate Greenaway and Jessie Willcox Smith. Her images depict children with angelic features, set in idyllic gardens, nurseries, and countryside scenes. The color palette is often muted and pastel, enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere of the book.

About the Authors and Illustrators:
Millicent Sowerby (1878–1967) was a talented illustrator whose gentle, romantic style made her a favorite among Edwardian book collectors. She contributed artwork to many children’s books, often collaborating with her sister, Githa. Githa Sowerby (1876–1970) is better known for her later career as a playwright, particularly her acclaimed play Rutherford and Son (1912), but she also wrote stories and verses in her early years. Together, the Sowerby sisters created a body of work that reflects both literary sensitivity and artistic elegance.

For the Collector’s Library:

• A Apple Pie (1900), illustrated by Kate Greenaway – A beautifully illustrated alphabet book with vintage charm.
• The Water-Babies (1909), illustrated by Warwick Goble – A poetic, whimsical tale with delicate fairy tale illustrations.
• Mother Goose (1913), illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright – A classic nursery rhyme collection with colorful, nostalgic imagery.
• A Child’s Garden of Verses (1905) – R.L. Stevenson, Illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith – A comparable Golden Age celebration of childhood.
• Kate Greenaway’s Almanacs (1880s-1890s) – Earlier influences on the Sowerbys’ nostalgic illustration style.

Art Gallery: Millicent Sowerby – Childhood 1907