[Tuck, Raphael & Sons.]
Trusty and True Calendar for 1910 (Three-Dimensional Die-Cut Dog-Themed Calendar)
London, Paris & New York: Raphael Tuck & Sons, 1910. Approx. 12.5 x 6 inches extended; folds to 6 x 7.5 inches. Color-printed chromolithograph, die-cut, movable calendar with stand-up display format.
Original three-dimensional folding calendar featuring chromolithographed dog illustrations attributed to Helena Maguire (unsigned). Designed as a shaped stand-up card calendar consisting of two die-cut panels joined by a movable metal fastener at the base, allowing the piece to fold flat or extend into an upright display. Printed in Germany for the English market, consistent with Tuck’s standard production practices of the period.
This calendar, titled Trusty and True, was part of Raphael Tuck’s 1910 decorative calendar series, which included other illustrated titles such as Family Friends and He Careth for You. The calendar features detailed images of loyal dogs in a domestic setting, rendered in the sentimental realist style typical of Maguire’s known work. Though unsigned, the artwork is attributed to Helena Maguire, who illustrated numerous pet- and animal-themed ephemera for Tuck during the early 20th century.
Calendars of this type—especially three-dimensional and animal-themed examples—are highly sought after and rarely found in such well-preserved condition. This example remains complete, intact, and in Fine condition, with only minor signs of age consistent with gentle handling. There are no tears, repairs, or missing elements, and the folding mechanism functions smoothly.
The calendar is referenced in TuckDB Ephemera (Item #2606) as part of the firm’s dog-themed illustrated calendar series.
Collectors Corner:
Helena Maguire was a British watercolorist and illustrator born in London in 1860. She became known for her charming depictions of children, cats, and dogs in both original paintings and commercial ephemera. She exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Institute of Painters from 1881 to 1892
Many of her animal illustrations—particularly pets—were reproduced by Raphael Tuck & Sons, including Christmas and anthropomorphic cards, animal studies, and die-cut ephemera. The “Trusty and True” dog calendar exhibits her recognizable style and thematic subject matter, making her the most credible—and likely—artist for this unsigned piece.