The texture of everyday life gone by

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):

Displaying 21 - 30
SurnameNameDatesLink
MarlowJohn26 Apr 1937 - 26 Jul 20035061
MarlowMartin Edward16 Mar 1905 - 23 Sep 19755063
MarlowMartin Edward16 Mar 1905 - Jul 19755062
RourkeBernard - 5064
RourkeBridgetabt 1831 - 5065
RourkeElsieJanuary 1897 - 5066
RourkeEmily7 Feb 1891 - 31 Jul 19455067
RourkeFrancisJuly 1902 - Dec 19285068
RourkeFrancis Henry1860 - 5069
RourkeJamesabt 1861 - 5070
Displaying 21 - 30

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.