• Reference
    Z967/1
  • Title
    "Sketch in Black and White", an essay by an unknown writer comprising an autobiographical journey with an imaginary companion through the countryside from Caldecote through Brook End to Hatch, mentioning Ickwell and Sandy, and a detailed biographical account of Ann Gentle, a 79 year old poor woman who lived on Ickwell Green and was schoolmistress at a Dame School. Written in a poetic style with much description of landscape - its flora, fauna and agricultural use - and buildings using imagery and a general aesthetic sensitivity, it has strong Christian overtones and gives insights into attitudinal and behavioural mores, particularly to physical disability, the poor, education, women and children. The essay ends with a religious poem about an "aged pilgrim". A 1950s exercise book containing the hand-written copy of an original essay dated 1887. Inside the back cover, Ann Gentle's three children are named.
  • Date free text
    1887 - 1950
  • Production date
    From: 1887 To: 1950
  • Exent
    No. of pieces: 1
  • Reference
  • Level of description
    item