Victorian Silhouettes by H. L. Oakley
A page of silhouettes showing various Victorian pastimes and games including archery, croquet, skating and chess.
Boy silhouetted against the sky, holding a crab
A boy wearing a diving mask stands silhouetted against the sea and sky, holding a crab.
Sleeping Beauty ballet, reawakening scene
While the King and Queen sleep, Prince Charming, with the blessing of the Lilac Fairy, bends to kiss the Sleeping Princess and thereby awaken her. Illustration to a fairytale by Charles Perrault, first published 1697, and performed as a ballet in several versions, the most famous being set to music by Tchaikovsky, first performed in 1890.
Puss in Boots tells the King his Master is drowning
Puss in Boots stops the King's coach and tells him that his Master is drowning (though he is only bathing in the river). Illustration to a fairytale by Charles Perrault, first published 1697.
Puss tries on his new Boots at the Cobbler's Shop
Puss tries on his new Boots at the Cobbler's Shop. Illustration to a fairytale by Charles Perrault, first published 1697.
OUR SOLDIERS: HOW THEY ARE MADE AND MENDED
A series of intricate images by silhouette artist, H. L. Oakley showing scenes on the Western Front in a mounted regiment followed by the transportation of an injured officer to hospital and from there to peaceful recuperation in a garden at home.
Thumbelina drawn by a butterfly down a stream
Thumbelina, standing on a leaf, is drawn downstream by a butterfly. Illustration to a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, first published 1835.
Palemon sees Ondine dancing with her shadow
Palemon sees Ondine, a water sprite, dancing with her shadow. Captivated by her beauty he pursues her to the forest. Illustration to a fairytale by Baron Friedrich de la Motte Fouque, first published 1812, and performed as a ballet by the Royal Ballet in 1958.
Thumbelina is born
Thumbelina is born -- the flower opens and a tiny girl appears. Beginning of a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, first published 1835.
Thumbelina kisses the Swallow goodbye
Thumbelina stands on tiptoe and kisses the Swallow goodbye. Illustration to a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, first published 1835.
Puss in Boots talks to reapers mowing a meadow
Puss in Boots talks to reapers mowing a meadow, persuading them to tell the King that the meadow belongs to his Master. Illustration to a fairytale by Charles Perrault, first published 1697.
Thumbelina curtsies to the Tiresome Old Mole
An unhappy Thumbelina curtsies to the Tiresome Old Mole, who falls in love with her and wants her to live with him underground. Illustration to a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, first published 1835.
Thumbelina begs the Field Mouse for food
A hungry Thumbelina begs for food at the Field Mouse's house. Illustration to a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, first published 1835.
Thumbelina flies away on the Swallow's back
Thumbelina escapes from the Field Mouse and the Mole on the back of the Swallow. Illustration to a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, first published 1835.
Puss in Boots challenges the Magician to turn into a mouse
Puss in Boots challenges the Rich Magician to turn himself into a mouse -- this is a trick, as Puss immediately catches the mouse and eats it. Illustration to a fairytale by Charles Perrault, first published 1697.
Fantasy Lakeside scene - Diptych - Left
A Fantasy scene of lakeside trees in silhouette against the backdrop of misty hills and mountains. Airbrush painting by Malcolm Greensmith
Triptych Landscape - Mountain Lake - Right
A Triptych landscape of a waterfall leading into a mountain lake surrounded by little copices of trees in stark silhouette. Painting by Malcolm Greensmith
When Great Grandfather Went to Sea by H. L. Oakley
A series of charming silhouette cut outs by H. L. Oakley depicting scenes at the seaside during the Victorian era from the journey there by carriage and train to donkey rides and promenading along the pier.
Fantasy Lakeside Scene - Diptych - Right
A fantasy lakeside scene with trees on the shore and on islands set in silhouette against a backdrop of hills and mountains. Airbrush painting by Malcolm Greensmith
Battle of Broodseinde
Silhouette of an anti aircraft gun (13 pounder 9 cwt) mounted on a motor lorry being fired by soldiers at the Battle of Broodseinde on 4th October 1917 during World War I