The Lilliputian Tailors Measure Gulliver for a New Suit of Clothes

The end of the 19th century into the early 20th century is known as the “Golden Age of Illustration” as a result of the developing printing industry and new photomechanical reproduction technology. Gift books became very popular in the Edwardian era, especially during the Christmas season as they were gifted among wealthy London families. What made the special editions so “special” were the quality watercolor illustrations from very popular artists of the time. 

Arthur Rackham was one of the most desirable illustrators of the period. His illustrations are often identified by his pen and ink drawings enhanced by watercolor. His work features intricate details, muted colors, and both whimsical and haunting scenes. Rackham’s 1909 illustrated edition of Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, a product of the annual gift book productions that were popular in the Golden Age, features 13 color plates that depict the whimsical elements of the story, especially the tiny Lilliputians and giant Brobdingnagians. 

Jonathan swift’s satire classic, Gulliver’s Travels, was published in 1726. Gulliver's Travels is a famous satirical work framed as a travel narrative. As the narrator, Lemuel Gulliver, ventures into various fantasy lands, he makes several observations with strong allegorical implications about English society. The first two places Gulliver encounters are the lands of the tiny Lilliputians and giant Brobdingnagians which emphasizes pettiness and arrogance. In the floating island of Laputa, Gulliver’s absurd discoveries call the reader to question scientific pursuits. Finally, Gulliver reaches the rational Houyhnhnms, which expose the contrasted irrationality of humans.

The illustration titled “Lillipitian Tailors Measuring Gulliver for a New Suit of Clothes” depicts a large team Lilliputian tailors using a long ladder to reach the shoulder of Gulliver’s giant body. In the story, 200 seamstresses sew Gulliver a shirt out of tiny squares of fabric. Gulliver is the dominant figure of the scene due to his size. The illustration features Rackham’s typical style of pen and ink sketch-style with watercolor in muter tones. While Gulliver is dressed in typical European sailor clothing that is mostly in shade’s of grey, the tailors red-toned clothing is the only pop of color in the entire illustration. The whimsical elements of the story Gulliver’s Travels are well aligned with the styles featured in Rackham’s portfolio and are brought to life through his illustrations.