208 'WAKE UP.......IT'S CHRISTMAS!'
by Arthur J. Elsley (1861 -1952)

This portrait of two beautiful sisters is memorable in its originality. It is skilfully punctuated by the collie dog, whose unblinking eyes stare along its straight nose directly at the face of the little one asleep. From an artistic viewpoint this is a superbly mastered composition.

However, as a flashback into the past for those whose daughters have grown up, the painting is even more striking. It enables us willingly to enter into a deep form of nostalgia, and reflect those past instants when our own small children were fast asleep. If sentimentality can be provoked with great impact it can be found here, but there is an irony which may not have been intended by Elsley........

Nostalgia is our own re-awakening of the past

The innocence of our own child's face when slumbering is something never forgotten. Most would wish those moments could return, not for the sake of peace and tranquility, but for such perfection. Alas that is now only a past dream to us!

The bliss of waking up in a comfortable bed will soon be forgotten by our young princess when realisation dawns just what day it is. The collie silently waits to see the first stirring. Though dark outside, this short winter's day will soon be alive with laughter punctuated by high-pitched exclamations of surprise and delight. Loud barking will be discouraged but difficult to stop.

When the peaceful moment ends, it will be abrupt. For many hours to follow, the activity will be frenzied. We all remember the never-ending excitement and events which make Christmas such an occassion for the little ones; from the emptying of those over-filled stockings......undoing the brightly coloured wrapping paper and watching their faces smile at the delights revealed for the first time. Downstairs the Christmas tree seems to wait in turn, glistening with strands of tinsel and other colourfully-wrapped surprises. The rich smell of the lunch cooking pervades the air around, making this the happiest day of the year. It's all so exhiliarating!

Every child would have a family duty to perform, yes even on Christmas day! However young, each learns that playtime is a reward for being good. Victorian values were a measure that no-one today might care to copy. Not that we live in lazy times nearly a century later, but our priorities have certainly changed.

One of the most noticable changes to childrens' lives since then, is the vast array of toys received. Nowadays children are festooned with so many, there is little time to play with or appreciate each fully. Victorian children spent more time creating their own entertainement, a style of life in effect that was probably more fulfilling and of greater benefit in later life. If grandmother or even great-grandmother is still with you, ask her to recall her somewhat different childhood. She will enjoy doing so. Just try!

Arthur J. Elsley lived and worked in London for most of his life. His genre paintings epitomised Victorian and Edwardian life and were immaculetely composed. Many of Elsley's works include the same children, painted over a period of their differing ages. The themes invariably include animals in the ever present happy scenes of play. His pictures were reproduced and used in advertisements at the time. They are as popular today as ever.

There is a new book titled 'GOLDEN HOURS' (available January 1998), which is an illustrated catalogue of Elsley's works. It has been written by Terry Parker and will be published by Richard Dennis Publications. An exhibition of originals will be held at the same time at Bonham's in Kensington, to mark the launch.