Emily Rourke – Edwardian Art Album

On the Saturday 19th September 1908, 17 year old Emily Rourke from Leeds began an art album.

The book was compiled while Emily was training to be a teacher in Leeds. She is seen on the 1911 census with many of her friends who also appear on the enumeration for that year at the college.

The book contains a fascinating collection of artwork and writings from her friends (many from her college). Some of contributions are quite extraordinary and all capture something of life in Edwardian Britain before hostilities in 1914.

The researched Rouke family history is here (14):

In the beginning of the book Emily writes:

“Whilst o’er this book you give a glance,
I hope you’ll kindly take the chance
To add unto the same.
Can you compose? Then write your own.
If not, some poet that’s well-known
Please quote, and add his name.” E.R.