Bead-Stringing Playtime – “Kralen Rijen” by Chloë Preston, Dutch Print 1925
Charming and vividly colored Art Deco illustration titled 'Kralen Rijen' (“Stringing Beads”), created by celebrated British artist Chloë Preston and published as a holiday supplement to the Haagsche Post Christmas issue on 25 December 1925 (No. 629). This delightful scene features Preston’s signature Golliwog-style and wooden doll characters, collectively known as the “Peek-a-Boos,” engaged in a playful afternoon of crafting and imagination.
At the center, a child in a floral bonnet sits surrounded by dolls and toys, carefully stringing colorful wooden beads. The figures wear a variety of patterned and textured outfits, with details rendered in bold, flat tones typical of Preston’s popular style of children’s illustration during the 1920s. Behind the scene is a stylized backdrop of a black stork (or crane) and palm-like leaves in silhouette, adding a touch of exotic fantasy and oriental-inspired design—a common motif in interwar decorative arts.
Chloë Preston (1887–1969) was a prolific British illustrator known for her whimsical and vibrant children’s books, postcards, and prints. Her Peek-a-Boo characters became widely popular across Europe and America. With their round faces, toy-like bodies, and playful expressions, they captivated young audiences and were frequently reproduced in nursery decor and holiday-themed prints.
This lithograph, printed by L. van Leer & Co., Amsterdam, reflects the high production values of Haagsche Post’s annual Kerstnummer (Christmas Number), which commissioned contemporary European illustrators to create engaging and collectible artwork for a broad audience.
Kralen Rijen is a delightful example of interwar children’s illustration and holds special appeal for collectors of vintage nursery prints, Art Deco decorative art, or early 20th-century British illustration.
Condition report: Very good condition. Slight toning and a few small spots in the margins, but image area is bright and well preserved. No tears or creases.
Framing tips: A playful colored frame—such as lilac, red, or muted yellow—can enhance the whimsical character of the print. Alternatively, a black or wood frame with a wide off-white mat will give it a more refined decorative look.
Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: Chloë Preston, United Kingdom Publisher: L. van Leer & Co., Amsterdam, for *Haagsche Post*, 1925
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