A Country Woman' s Journal

Another beautiful book I received for my birthday is A Country Woman’s Journal by Margaret Shaw. Margaret Shaw was an upper class English woman who had a wonderful eye and appetite for the natural world, recording almost daily for two years her observations of nature. Not only is this a gorgeous book on its own, but it was a surprise discovery of my stepmother Pam, and her family---Margaret Shaw was “Auntie Maggie” to them, and they had NO IDEA that she had any artistic inkling whatsoever.

The journals were discovered stuffed in a drawer after Margaret’s death, some 70 years after their creation. Reg, who was Maragret’s business partner and friend sent a copy of the book to Pam’s aunt Nancy, who didn’t think much of the book, but mentioned it to Pam. When Pam saw it she was blown away by the delicate and beautiful watercolors and the exclusively natural observations that she found. It’s funny because without knowing any of the history of this book, the art reminded me of Pam. Pam adores nature and is a closeted artist. She would never call herself one, but she can do beautiful renderings of just about anything. The animals and flowers really reminded me of Pam’s own creations on every birthday or holiday card I’ve ever received from her. When I found out that the author of this book was Pam’s Great Aunt, it made so much sense. I told Pam this and she said, “You know, when I saw this, for the first time I felt a resemblance and a connection to my family.”

Can you imagine discovering such a treasure?

The art is so delicate and intricate. It reminds me a lot of Beatrix Potter. As someone who keeps an illustrated journal, I am completely blown away at her natural instinct for lay out, design and illustration. The amount of time it must have take just to start a day’s entry with a wooded letter! I don’t have that kind of focus or patience, but this woman did—even when she was traveling—to begin her tiny observations with this illustrated detail.

I haven’t read all of it, but I love how when Margaret goes to Italy, her only observations she makes are of the roses climbing up the wall of the hotel and the Chafinches she sees chattering in a cage. Occasionally, she’ll mention her parents, but only by their initials and in proximity to some event that occurred with an insect or animal. It was a very FOCUSED diary. For something so involved that required practice, constant observation, research, and an attention to detail, I don’t understand why she ever stopped keeping the journal or stopped creating all together. Regardless, what a legacy she left behind for Pam and her family! What a treasure to get for my own birthday. And as an added delight, there was a bookmark hidden in its pages for me from the previous owner. It said: Happy reading dear Trudie! Lots of love, Gladys.