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Lighthearted fun . . .
"Warning, When I Am An Old Woman, I Shall Wear Purple" has become a global phenomenon! Elizabeth Lucas has published her calligraphic version of the poem nationally (USA) since 1984. This delightful poem that speaks of growing old in a wonderfully outrageous style was written in 1961 by Jenny Joseph who lives in Minchinhampton, England. The poem is popularly known by many titles including, of course, the actual title "Warning", as well as by "When I Am An Old Woman", "The Purple Poem", "Old Woman", "I Shall Wear Purple", simply "Purple" and by other affectionate names. It is cherished by thousands of women throughout the world and practically everyone who enjoys its light humor wants to know more about its meaning and to learn about the author, Jenny Joseph. Because of copyright restrictions and a specific request from the author the poem may not be published in it's entirity on this website
Interest in the poem is ever increasing !
The widespread acknowledged use of the poem in America started in the 1980's. Elizabeth Lucas was first granted exclusive publishing rights to the copyrighted poem "When I Am An Old Woman" for greeting cards in 1984. Then Liz Carpenter, who had been Lady Bird Johnson's press officer, wrote an article for the "Texas Monthly" in March 1985. It was picked up by the Reader's Digest and they acknowledged the author Jenny Joseph. From there its fame increased rapidly. Since those early years, the Elizabeth Lucas Designs "When I Am An Old Woman" product line has expanded to include prints, tee shirts, sweat shirts, purple tote bags, framed quotations, plaques, magnets, decorative boxed note cards, snack trays and other gift products all featuring the entire poem. Well over two million copies of Elizabeth's original Large Gift Card have been sold by Elizabeth Lucas Designs.
On one of Jenny Joseph's trips to California to meet with Elizabeth Lucas, she was also invited to take part in Long Beach's Literary Women's Day and Jenny was honored for her poem as well as for being the first writer from abroad. On that occasion she met Sandra Martz, who contacted Jenny about using "Warning" as the front poem, its first line the title, of an anthology on aging. Publishing of this anthology caused an additional interest in Lucas's extremely popular cards helping "Warning" gain an ever-increasing number of fans. Over the years, interest in the poem has spread throughout the United States and the world.
MANY women's groups have been formed based on the theme of the poem. Over the years ladies have visited Elizabeth Lucas Designs dressed up in purple with red hats. Elizabeth has had special events at her office during the last TWENTY YEARS, including signings by Jenny Joseph. Lots of women have sent her photos of their groups wearing purple. Some have even put on plays about the poem and others have written related poetry or stories about getting older. All of this has been in the spirit of good fun!
The Elizabeth Lucas Designs logo is a tree of hearts and historical calligraphic letters of the alphabet that incorporates the words "An Affair Of The Heart" within its branches. It reflects Elizabeth's passion for calligraphy and art. It is from a poster she originally designed for her first one-woman calligraphy show at the Long Beach Museum of Art in Long Beach, California.
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Elizabeth Lucas
Sometimes people are surprised to hear me answer the phone at my office. I guess they think I am either retired or that I work only at home. I enjoy talking with customers and yes, I do come into the office almost every day! My studio is at home and most of my designing is done on the weekends. Thanks for calling!
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