Friday, June 20, 2008

Tasha Tudor 1915 - 2008

I was very sad to read in the New York Times this morning that child's book illustrator and author, Tasha Tudor died, at age 92, died at her home in Marlboro, Vermont.


Her first book, Pumpkin Moonshine was published in 1938. Her last book, Corgiville Christmas, which was published in 2002, brought the number of books written and/or illustrated by Tasha to nearly 100. A short biography of this very unique and fascinating woman can be read here.
A Memorial web site was set up by her family, many of whom are talented artisans themselves. There are plans to open a Tasha Tudor Museum to preserve and promote her works for future generations of children.
Tasha Tudor was one of my favorite children's illustrators. Her soft watercolors and delicate drawings were full of detail and childhood innocence. Some examples of her illustrations can be seen below:




She has received many awards and honors, including Caldecott Honors for Mother Goose in 1945 and 1 is One in 1957. She received the Regina Medal in 1971 for her contributions to children's literature.

This quote is from her website:

“Einstein said that time is like a river, it flows in bends. If we could only step back around the turns, we could travel in either direction. I’m sure it’s possible. When I die, I’m going right back to the 1830s. I’m not even afraid of dying. I think it must be quite exciting.” ~Tasha Tudor

I hope you are there, Tasha!


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14 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm going to have to check my books...I may have some of hers. Thanks for posting this information!

Tess Kincaid said...

Oh Pat, I had not heard about her passing. What a long an fruitful life she lived! I am a big fan of her art and books. Lovely tribute to a lovely lady.

Vee said...

There are some wonderful tributes to Tasha Tudor about and yours is one of them. Such an amazing lady!

Barb said...

Hi Pat,

What a lovely and fitting tribute.
What a wonderful long life she was blessed with. Thank you for showing some of her many illustrations.

hugs to you,
Barb

Mrs. B said...

Hi Pat. I am so sad to hear about Tasha Tudor. She is one of my all time favorite childrens authors and illustrators. I have Pumpkin Moonshine and a few others and also have a more autobiographical type book from her. My absolute favorite of her books is a Time to Keep. I recommend it to everyone, young and old.

steviewren said...

Oh, she was such an interesting person. I can totally see her living in 1830. She was a person who was out of place in her own century I think. I'm off to the websites you mentioned to read more.

Sal said...

What a truly wonderful lady!Amazing art work!;-)

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Pat!
I did not know Tasha had passed away. I have always loved her and her work. She and her home was in Victoria Magazine years ago for a Christmas issue and I love that her home looked like many of her illustrations, so quaint and adorable. She lived very basically in the cutest cottage.
She will live on forever in her books!
Hugs, Sherry

Nihal said...

Oh unfortunately, I heard the news, Pat. I know she's been BeLoVed and the darling of children whose delicate and dreamy. I'll also miss her, please take off the 6 in front of my age 36, I'm still 3 yrs-old;)
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend there in my top fave Big Apple. Save me pleez when you go out:)

Hugs & Love,

Nihal

Lavinia said...

The world needs more lovely presences like hers. And what a lovely name she's got, it sounds like it could be the title of a beautifully illustrated book of its own....

What gifts she bestowed upon the world's children!

Rue said...

I love that quote. I wish I wasn't scared, but when you're that age I think you might be ready. I hope I live that long :)

hugs,
rue

Gina said...

Beautiful tribute to such a talented lady Pat.. and the quote was wonderful. Gx

Anonymous said...

This was a lovely tribute. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and some more details, and for inviting me over! xox

Unknown said...

Tasha Tudor has always been one of my favorite illustrators. I have so many of her books, calendars and several of her prints on the walls of my guest room. My sister gave me her Christmas video and I met her grandson at a flower show years ago. I didn't know that she had passed away. I love her work, thanks for posting this tribute. Karen