







Best et Cie
Best et Cie operated the Liliputian Bazaar, a department dedicated solely to children's clothing. While many stores focused on general goods, this firm prioritised the specific needs of infants. Their catalogues contained precise illustrations documenting the shift from Victorian styles to practical garments. The shop became a destination for parents seeking quality and durability. This focus on a niche market allowed Best et Cie to define children's fashion for decades.
Biography
The illustrations used a clean, graphic approach. Artists used clear outlines and flat washes of colour to show the texture of linen and wool. These illustrations avoided cluttered backgrounds. They focused on the silhouette of the garment and the natural posture of the subject. The artists often depicted children in active, natural poses rather than stiff, formal arrangements. This style differed from the ornate and heavy advertisements of the late nineteenth century. The resulting illustrations were both informative and visually balanced.
Modern collectors value these prints for their nostalgic quality and historical accuracy. The minimalist aesthetic works well in nurseries or contemporary rooms. These prints provide a glimpse into fashion history without the visual noise of modern advertising. They remain popular for their simple compositions and soft palettes. The clarity of the original lithographs translates effectively to modern fine art paper.
Notable Works
Tap to view larger.
Next stop
Browse the movements →
Every movement in the collection, from the Renaissance to Pop art.
Best et Cie prints
Hand-finished archival prints from Best et Cie's body of work.
Donkey Race (After Thomas Gainsborough) - Best et Cie
From £28.00
An Aquarium - Best et Cie
From £28.00
View of Clisson on the Sèvre - Best et Cie
From £28.00
The Hare Bearer - Best et Cie
From £28.00
Sacristy of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris - Best et Cie
From £28.00
Surprise of the Fox - Best et Cie
From £28.00
Take Best et Cie home.
See all Best et Cie prints →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Best et Cie known for?
Best et Cie is known for best et Cie produced charming fashion illustrations for their famous Liliputian Bazaar, capturing the transition of early twentieth-century children's style with clean lines and soft colours.

