Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

A commemorative mug from the 1800s, crafted in glazed ware. It features a transfer portrait of Jane Taylor, known for her poem ‘My Mother’ among other works. The mug’s design includes a vibrant orange border with a marbled pattern, encircling the central image of Miss Taylor, who is portrayed wearing a period hat and ruffled collar.

This postcard, illustrated by John McLean in 1993, features Shilling Grange in Lavenham, Suffolk. The Grange is thought to be the place where Jane Taylor allegedly penned the first verse of the nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Research has shown that the poem was far more likely to have been written in Colchester.

This vintage Fisher-Price musical toy, a generous donation by Tom Hodgson, the Curator of Social History, offers a glimpse into childhood pastimes. Designed to play the melody of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, this toy features a pull-string mechanism that, when operated, animates the tune through its built-in speaker.

This edition of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is illustrated by Sir John Tenniel. Among its many celebrated features is a famous parody of Jane Taylor’s Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, connecting this story with the nursery rhyme.

This children’s book, published by Ladybird, brings the nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star to life with illustrations by Nick Sharratt. The simple, engaging artwork and bright colours are designed to capture the attention of young readers whilst enjoying a classic nursery rhyme.

This board book, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, part of the Sign and Singalong series by Annie Kubler, is designed for infants and young children. Published in 2004, this book combines illustrations with the lyrics of the nursery rhyme, encouraging children to sing along while learning basic sign language.

This page from the children’s book Rhymes for the Nursery features the poem The Star by Jane Taylor, best known as the lyrics to the popular nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

This musical rabbit toy, designed for babies, was purchased in 1997 from the Early Learning Centre in Colchester. It features a design where the rabbit’s eyes and arms move when the attached string is pulled. As the string is drawn, it plays the gentle melody of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

The twenty-second edition of Original Poems, for Infant Minds, published in 1824 by Harvey and Darton in London. The volume, containing poems by sisters Ann and Jane Taylor, first appeared in 1804. This collection of children’s poetry is a significant representation of early 19th-century educational literature aimed at offering moral and instructive content through engaging verse.

This engraving, titled Solomon Anointed, is a collaborative work between Isaac Taylor Junior, the illustrator, and Isaac Taylor Senior, the engraver.

This teaching star chart was created by Reverend Isaac Taylor from Ongar, who lived from 1759 to 1829. The chart shows different star patterns and constellations arranged in a circle, representing how people viewed the night sky during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

This detailed teaching card about the solar system was created by Reverend Isaac Taylor from Ongar, who lived from 1759 to 1829. The card shows the paths of the planets as they orbit the sun, arranged in circular patterns on an old piece of paper. Zodiac signs are also included along the edges, connecting astrology with astronomy.

A historical sketchbook attributed to Reverend Isaac Taylor from Ongar, who lived from 1759 to 1829. The sketchbook features a worn brown leather cover that encases delicate pencil sketches. The sketches display a collection of portraits, including detailed depictions of faces.

This pencil sketch captures a moment between a Victorian gentleman and a little girl. The gentleman, clad in a long coat and top hat, holds the hand of the young girl. The drawing conveys the fashion and societal norms of the Victorian era through the attire and interaction of its subjects.