CHAPTER XIII. A PENNY PLAIN AND TWOPENCE COLOURED

In “A Penny Plain and Twopence Coloured,” the chapter delves into a nostalgic reminiscence of childhood through the lens of Skelt’s Juvenile Drama, a series of theatrical prints that captured the imagination of the young narrator. The Skelt dramas, which passed through various hands—Park’s, Webb’s, Redington’s, and finally Pollock’s—have mostly vanished, becoming treasures as unattainable as Raphaels, except for a few collectors and perhaps in museums.

The narrator recounts the joy of owning and engaging with these dramas, such as “Aladdin,” “The Red Rover,” and “The Blind Boy,” among others. Each play, represented by vivid and dramatic characters and scenes, kindled the imagination, offering gateways into stirring narratives and adventures. The thrill of acquiring these plays, particularly on visits to a stationer’s shop in Leith Walk, is described with palpable excitement. The shop, with its display of a working theater and stacks of plays, was a magnet for boys, drawing them with the promise of adventure and spectacle.

The process of selecting a play, under the watchful eyes of shopkeepers who were wary of time-wasters, is humorously and affectionately portrayed. The excitement of bringing home a new drama, the anticipation of painting the characters ‘twopence coloured,’ and the somewhat disappointing realization that the actual stories often couldn’t live up to the imaginative scenarios conjured by the illustrations and character plates, are vividly recounted.

The chapter explores the concept of “Skeltery,” describing it as a quality inherent not just in these dramas but in the adventure and romance that enrich a child’s world. It captures a bygone era when these paper theaters could spark endless creativity and bring to life the most exotic and thrilling narratives, showing how these experiences left a lasting impact on the narrator’s perception of the world, infusing everyday life with a sense of drama and romance reminiscent of Skelt’s plays.

The nostalgic journey through childhood memories emphasizes the profound influence of Skelt’s dramas on the narrator, illustrating how these simple pleasures shaped his imagination, his appreciation of stories, and his understanding of the world. The chapter concludes by reflecting on how the enchanting world of Skelt, with its heroes, villains, and grand adventures, continues to echo in the narrator’s life, demonstrating the enduring power of childhood imagination and its ability to transform the mundane into the magical.