Bidspirit auction | Bridget Appleby (British), original pen

Bridget Appleby (British), original pen and ink drawing of a school Christmas scene - This original pen and ink drawing on wove paper is by the British artist and animator Bridget Appleby. The composition presents a detailed and humorous scene within a primary school classroom during Christmas preparations. The illustration is densely packed with children engaged in various activities: some are dressed in nativity costumes, including a disgruntled Joseph with a sheep and Mary with a doll, while others are painting, fighting, or climbing a large decorated Christmas tree. A frazzled teacher is visible in the background and a cat is shown caught in a fallen paper chain garland. The work is executed in a lively, expressive cartoon style characteristic of 20th-century British illustration. Signed lower right: bridget Appleby. The artwork is presented in a light-toned wooden frame with a black mount.