'All Our Yesterdays' by Faye Whittaker
Faye Whittaker is one of the most sought-after contemporary artists in Britain today. The influence of Edwardian seaside towns in the North of England, such as Southport, Lancashire, where Ms. Whittaker was born and raised, is evident in her artwork. Her ‘All Our Yesterdays’ range captures the character of these towns and the innocence and simplicity of that age. Her watercolour paintings, which have been adapted for cross-stitch, are well known in stitching circles.
In this little sample, we find ourselves at a seaside resort during the Edwardian era. As we stroll along, it starts to drizzle. Disappointed that our day is ruined, we look for a place to shelter from the rain. Perched on a low stone wall are two small children, a girl and a boy dressed in Edwardian era beachwear. Being true Brits, they have learned to adapt to the mercurial English weather. The boy has come equipped with an umbrella which he has opened and chivalrously holds over the girl’s head to prevent her getting wet. The youngsters know that rain is a part of English life and you learn to work around it.
