Posted on July 23rd, 2021 by Robin Dixon

In the Art Department at Hatchard's we are delighted to have in stock signed copies of a very special book signed by one of Britain's greatest contemporary artists, Dame Paula Rego.

Rego was born in Lisbon, Portugal and studied at the Slade School of Art from 1952-56. During the seventies she was a figurative artist in a time when it was unfashionable to be so. She developed a style of characterful narrative painting whose symbolism was always mysterious & elusive. Her work has always been uncompromising and stems from a powerful imagination, over the years Rego has become famous for her interpretations of traditional folk tales and stories mainly centering on a strong female protagonist.

The book, Stone Soup, is a new version of the traditional Portuguese folktale retold by her daughter, the designer and writer Cas Willing. Paula Rego's illustrations are full of the macabre touches and dark humour by which she has made her reputation. The fable has existed in numerous incarnations for centuries and in contrast to many others, the wily protagonist in this version is female. We follow the efforts of the young daughter in her attempt to save herself, her family and farm from starvation. To extricate herself from this wretched situation, she persuades the suspicious towns-people to supply her with food for her mysterious Stone Soup. Hence, this is a tale typically read to children to encourage cooperation in times of scarcity.

Thirteen unique watercolour and ink paintings are reproduced in the book, published by Enitharmon Editions, bringing together Rego’s expressive cast of figures amidst their troubled landscape. This beautifully cloth-bound edition is signed by Paula Rego in an edition of 150, priced at £95.