Les Tres Riches Heures De Mrs Mole By Ronald Searle
Posted October 18th, 2011 at 11:59AM
But Monica saw another specialist who agreed to try chemotherapy that was experiemental at that time. These sessions continued for five years .
Prior to the cancer shock the couple had bought a decrepit house in the south of France and, despite her illness, Monica continued to devote her time making this house a home.
Devastated with his wife's diagnosis Ronald did the only thing he knew how to do to cheer her up. .. draw.
Before every chemotherapy session he gave his wife a painting. Monica was depicted as a mole, a very happy mole celebrating life in their new home. (The Mole idea came after their discovery of a large celler that they made into a cosy room)
The paintings were never meant for publication but following Monica's death this summer ( over FOURTY ONE YEARS from diagnosis) they have been made into a book.
‘Everything about them had to be romantic and perfect,’ says Ronald.
‘I drew them originally for no one’s eyes except Mo’s, so she would look at them propped up against her bedside lamp and think: “When I’m better, everything will be beautiful
The paintings are just so cute and gorgeous. I can smell the food and flowers and feel the love as she wraps gifts for Xmas
You just gotta see this perfectly lovely little book :) :) :)
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sweet :)
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Am looking at the pics in the book right now .. they are just precious :)
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I like the "40 years later" part :-)
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I know isn't that just incredibly . she only passed away this year :)
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I hope in 40 years, my man will be just like that for me.
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Yes, it is just SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO loving and romantic :)
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Just brilliant! ..... so unsentimental yet, as you say so "with her"!
My old man's an illustrator ...... I used to tie my hair back but this ancient harridan with a bun started appearing in some of his books .......... so I stopped doing that, hahaha! xxxxxxxxxxx -
Yes, and normally his illustrations are dark .. these are just so cute and loving :)
And with them at her side .. she got better!! -
How absolutely beautiful. A desc
riptive journey of real love. Love strong enough to survive anything it seems. Beautiful Tas. :-) -
Ooooh hallo Wolfey .. good to see you :)
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This is so sweet and moving. I am so glad you posted this. I'm going to go and see if I can get a copy of this book. :)
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Hey Tas, did you notice that each drawing of her has little mole breasts?
I think that was very intentional and loving. But that is also the beauty of art...we viewers create our own stories. -
Yes, also noticed she's somewhat fat .. hmmm
She was slim and beautiful -
Love truly can create miracles.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful story and the wonderful illustrations, Tas. I can just feel the love streaming from the colors, imagery and symbols. Wow. -
Hi datura , yes they are just so sweet and MUST have helped Monica recover :)
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Sometimes love does prevail. Gives all the hopeful romantics a chance I think.
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that's lovely OT ... a very moving story and beautiful drawings ... I think my favourite is the last one with the garden full of flowers ... no wait ... the one where she's looking at the sunset ... oh they're all brilliant! thank you for sharing this.
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Hiya, womanbliss, yes they are all just so sweet
I am busy pebble painting at the mo .. I am not sure that making someone a painted pebble everytime they have treatment has the same appeal .. :) -
sad that he lost his wife :( beautiful pictures and what a beautiful sentiment.
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divine pictures! the playful, loving mole pics are a delight.thankyou for sharing!
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Hiya, thank you :)
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I just love love love this! Those are the sweetest sweetest pictures ever, and the story behind them just makes them that much more amazing. Thank you so much Tas!
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Oh, I am so pleased :)
I love the art and cant remember when I last read such a heartwarming story -
What wonderful illustrations! I'm loving this and the background information. Such a lovely story.
They have a slight Roald Dahl feel to them. Don't know if that's the right thing to say but I do think they are delightful. Will have to look up his work.
I quite like the "whimsical" style of illustration. Always really enchanting. Have always been drawn (not pun intended!) to Arthur Rackham's work and style. Think his world of fairy tales and nature and enchantment just lovely! -
I am sorry to hear that, Tas. Best wishes for a positive outcome for your friend.
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Monica Searle died in July 2011. Ronald Searle passed away, age 91, on December 30, 2011.
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Oh how wonderful, what a great story of love and hope!
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My friend has just come back from the hospital. The time has come for me to paint pictures of laughter and happiness.
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You are a wonderful friend. Love to you both. May you be filled with strength to face this journey. XXX
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*hugs Tas for painting pictures of laughter and happiness* xxxxxxx
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Thanks for a very heartwarming read.
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I love this story! I love the drawings. And, you friend is lucky to have you by their side.
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Hi, thanks for reading and commenting mary and outercalm
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