The Sales Have Gone: Woman’s Pictorial 1929
This article made me chuckle this morning. It’s a reminder that despite the passing of years (in this case almost eighty-four!), some things never, ever change . . . . . especially when it comes to sales shopping!
I’ve been unable to establish the name of the artist; only the initials ‘E.H.R.’ are noted. Whoever he/she was, clearly had great skill. The following sketches are so simple, and yet the artist has managed to convey their emotions so brilliantly. Hope you enjoy it.
Images scanned from my copy of Woman’s Pictorial, 2nd February 1929. Please contact me if you wish to use or reproduce images or text from this blog. Thank you.
The Sales Have Gone – But they’ve left their troubles behind them!
“My dear, do come up with me to Derings when their sale is on.” Thus your next-door neighbour hailed you over the garden wall when you were not the least inclined to be hailed over anything.
You went, after having previously made out a list of all the things you really needed for the forthcoming season. The thrill of anticipation and economy was upon you; you thought you would enjoy yourself after all . . . .
Once there, the requirements changed somewhat, and things you never thought of found their way on the “simply must have this” list. When one hat after another failed to fit you, you determined to stand there till one did.
Pushing, scrambling, bargaining and snatching was the order at Derings. Life becomes very primitive when it is a matter of remnants at sale time, and one person’s arm-length is greater than another’s.
Then came the making up of the coveted remnants. Crepe-de-chine too short; patterned silk too bright, everything “too” something! You cheerfully make the best of things, and wear the result that evening. But before the guests arrive John says “Hurry up and dress, or you’ll be late for dinner!” A cheque is the one and only compensation.
And unless you have a partner that hands over a cheque every single time you go sales shopping, I guess some things do inevitably change over the years!
No cheques here unfortunately. Very funny, I love the style of the sketches.
Eye rolling and annoying head shake are probably what I’d get from my hubby!
xx
Love this! I’ve learned to not even look at “sales.” Not that I buy much at retail anyway, but buying on sales can really lead to so disastrous mistakes!
Thanks Lizzie. It is funny how folk react at “sale” time. I’m also one that avoids the sales. I can’t be doing with all the crowds!
I have recently bought some lovely things for Martha in the sales. However, it was all done ‘online’. It’s so much more refined!!!