Colour Our Collections: Details from Ye Frog Would a Wooing Go by Walter Crane (1845-1915)

Have you ever heard the song ‘Ye Frog Would a Wooing Go?’ Walter Crane used it as inspiration for this wallpaper design. In the song, a frog asks his friend Mr. Rat to call on Miss Mouse with him. Their merriment comes to a sudden and violent end when a cat and her kittens appear and seize Mr. Rat and Miss Mouse. The frog makes a hasty escape, only to be gobbled up by a duck.

Walter Crane (1845-1915), Ye Frog Would a Wooing Go, wallpaper design, c.1877. Accession number: WCA.2009.4

Despite the unfortunate events detailed in the song, we still think this wallpaper design is a thing of beauty. Sue from the Visitor Team thought that the funny little frog and sweet Miss Mouse would be perfect additions to our autumn colouring sheets this year. She has lovingly hand traced these details from an image of the wallpaper design to create a new colouring sheet for your enjoyment.

Walter Crane (1845-1915), Detail from Ye Frog Would a Wooing Go, wallpaper design, c.1877. Accession number: WCA.2009.4
Walter Crane (1845-1915), Detail from Ye Frog Would a Wooing Go, wallpaper design, c.1877. Accession number: WCA.2009.4

You can pick up a copy of this colouring sheet on your next visit to the gallery this autumn. Don’t worry if you’re further afield and don’t know when you’ll get the chance to visit the Whitworth in person, you can also download a free copy of the colouring sheet below:

Colour Our Collections Ye Frog Would a Wooing Go W.2009.4Download

Thanks for sharing! Elena and Iona left this lovely frog behind for us to find. We like the idea of giving half of this colouring sheet away as a gift and keeping half yourself.

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