Helen Bradley (British, 1900-1979)
Hush, said Willie Murgatroyd, I can hear Biddy Murphy"s Tiger snorting
signed with fly insignia (lower left); titled, inscribed and dated "Hush, said Willie Murgatroyd, I can hear Biddy Murphys/Tiger snorting./and so did George & I and Annie/as we trudged behind Mother and the Aunts/on our way home from Joey Mills/Halloween Party and although we had our/turnip lanterns we became very afraid when/Willie Murgatroyd was sure Biddy Murphys Tiger/was behind the fence. George and Annie opened/their mouths and roared, but I was beginning/to understand that Biddy Murphy hadnt a Tiger/really, she only told us the story to frighten us. Mother/was cross especially when they met Mr Taylor (the/Bank Manager) and Miss Carter (who wore Pink) suddenly/thought she"d left her handky (sic.) at Joey Mills house &/wouldnt it be nice of dear Mr Taylor turned back with/her. "Did you ever" said Aunt Frances "she"s just thought that up"/and the year was 1906./Helen Layfield Bradley 1969." (on an artist"s label attached verso)
oil on canvasboard
35.6 x 45.7 cm. (14 x 18 in.)