A website devoted to the rediscovery of the works of early 20th century illustrator Henry E. Vallely (1881-1950). Perhaps best known for his chiaroscuro technique employed in Big Little Books, he also produced a large volume of work including fashion illustrations for women's magazines, spot illustrations for food periodicals, magazine covers and children's books. His art is distinctive and timeless and deserves the recognition that has until this time eluded it. Comments and contributions towards the preservation of the H. E. Vallely legacy are most welcome. All images are believed to be in the public domain unless otherwise noted.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Sirrah, a Shepherd Dog


Dog Stories was a collection of classic canine chronicles adapted and condensed for children by author Frances Cavanah. While it was published at least 4 times (once as part of the book Big Big Favorite Stories, as well part of Annual Whopper Book), the back cover image presented here is from the Whitman Publishing Company 1944 edition. It's possible that it was published with a painted cover of a boy hugging his collie (also rendered by Vallely) to capitalize on the success of the first Lassie movie, Lassie Come Home. This particular dog in Frances Cavanah's book is a shepherd named Sirrah whose owner was James Hogg, the shepherd-poet of Scotland.

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