Comments on: Dan Jones, Rhyme Collector

By: Victoria

Victoria — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 22:14:36 +0000

I love these paintings. Of further interest, and picking up on Penelope’s reference to the Opies’ work. University of Sheffield is working with the British Library, the BBC and others to bring together the largest international collection of children’s playground games and rhymes – including all the observations made by the Opies. It’s being turned into a huge digital resource for schools, and anyone with an interest in the area and includes sound files. More about the project can be found here: http://www.opieproject.group.shef.ac.uk

By: Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 20:01:01 +0000

I must visit, Thanks

By: Moy Peralta

Moy Peralta — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 23:45:06 +0000

Oh my goodness! The painting is gorgeous, and following the singing playground links took me back 70 years – to my long-lost Scottish childhood. Thank you Dan Jones. I remember a very long version of the Jeely Pieces song; that, and Fitba’ Crazy were our favourites.

By: valerie-Jael

valerie-Jael — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 12:14:31 +0000

Good article, love the painting of St Paul’s especially – happy memories for me! Valerie

By: Good Gentlewoman

Good Gentlewoman — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:35:45 +0000

I recognise many rhymes from the painting. One we used to sing while playing two balls up against a wall in the 50s in my Brixton school was:
Each peach pear plum,
I spy Tom Thumb.
Tom Thumb in the cellar,
I spy Cinderella.
Cinderella at the ball,
I spy Henry Hall,
Henry Hall in the stable,
I spy Betty Grable.
Betty Grable is a star,
S T A R.

By: Achim

Achim — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:32:58 +0000

Great work & story! Me as a Children’s Book Collector too, would love to visit Mr Dan Jones! Perhaps it would be possible next year. I am planning to travel to London & England then.

Mr Jones does certainly know about the historic nursery rhymes of A.A.MILNE, which are very speshal! One of the most enjoyable:

When I was one,
I had just begun.
When I was two,
I was nearly new.
When I was three,
I was hardly me.
When I was four,
I was not much more.
When I was five,
I was just alive.
But now I am six,
I’m as clever as clever.
So I think I’ll be six
now and forever.

Have a look at my site for more about all this!

Love & Peace
ACHIM

PS: The online translation of my site is here:
http://www.online-translator.com/siteTranslation/autolink/?direction=ge&template=General&sourceURL=http://www.achimthepooh.de/pages/frameset_2_pu_3.html

By: Penelope Beaumont

Penelope Beaumont — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 09:00:35 +0000

Now that is a book I would love to read. I have a copy of Iona &Peter Opies “T he Singing Game” published in the 1980’s. I t would be interesting to see how the songs and rhymes have been updated

By: Vivian Archer

Vivian Archer — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 06:07:38 +0000

Wonderful tribute, thank you.