Artist: John Worsley
(biography)Medium: Watercolour on Board
Size: 14" x 19" (350mm x 475mm)
Date: 1970
This is the unique original Watercolour painting by John Worsley.The boy up the tree is of course the protagonist, Wee Willie Winkie. He and his friends collect mangos on the tropical shores they have arrived on. Hannibal the Baby Elephant, painted so amiably by Worsley, does his fair share, standing on his hind legs and pulling down branches with his trunk.
The composition of this piece is complex, with outstanding perspective, we are able to see upwards and downwards simultaneously, the vivid watercolour work alongside the incredible fluid yet detailed fine strokes, create a brilliant sense of movement. Worsley's enthusiasm for the work practically vibrates off the page.
This gorgeous action packed full colour illustration board was painted by John Worsley for the April 25th 1970 edition of Treasure magazine.
Worsley, who spent time in a P.O.W. camp after being captured in Yugoslavia during World War II, achieves a fantastic liberation from the past by painting in such a fluid joyful manner.
Worsley's work can be found in The Imperial War Museum, The Maritime Museum, The collection of HM The Queen, The Savage club and many other private collections including those of Royal Families, banks and Colleges.