Kids’ classics to go on show
Special Mitchell Library event turns page to a vanished world of japes and scrapes aimed at readers of all ages
IN THE first of a two-part Thanks for the Memories special, the Evening Times gets a sneak peek into some of the Mitchell Library’s most exciting Special Collections.
First up is the Children’s Literature Collection, which will be the subject of a #MitchellCurious event next week (July 9, 11 and 12).
The theme is MischiefMakers, tying in with the 80th anniversary of the ultimate champion of naughty children, Dennis the Menace, and the comic which made his name, the Beano.
Librarian Susan Taylor explains: “Inspired by the anniversary, we have put together a collection of highlights from our children’s books from over the decades, all based around mischief-makers.
“We hope it will appeal not just to children, but will also serve as a reminder for adults, of much-loved books and old favourites from their own childhoods.”
She adds: “For example, one of the books which particularly resonates with me is Naughty Children, by Christianna Brand. It has such lovely illustrations – really beautiful.
“And I have since discovered, as an adult, that the illustrator Edward Ardizzone, was the cousin of the author and a war artist, which makes me want to look into that a bit more.”
There are fairy tale collections, from the likes of Aesop, the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen; and lovely animal books, such as The Animals Rebellion, by Clifton Bingham and The Animal ABC, illustrated by Glasgow artist Harry B Neilson.
“There is another Glasgow link in that the publisher for Animal ABC was Blackie and Son, a famous name in the city,” says Susan.
Some of the earlier storybooks, full of ‘ cautionary tales’ for would-be naughty children, have scary, almost sinister illustrations.
“This German book, English Struwwelpeter, written in 1903 by Dr Heinrich Hoffman, is full of tales about children learning lessons for terrible wrongdoing,” smiles Susan. “The English language version, too, which was published a few years later, has stories called ‘Fidgety Philip’ and ‘The Dreadful Story of Harriet and the Matches.’
“The idea was to steer children away from playing with fire or water or whatever, but
The illustrations are quite dark – almost sinister
the illustrations are quite dark – almost sinister. Everyone says the cover image of English Struwwelpeter reminds them of horror movies, or Edward Scissorhands.”
The collection also includes a beautiful edition of The Coral Island, complete with Glasgow Style cover, by RM Ballantyne, an author said to have heavily influenced Robert Louis Stevenson.
There are different versions of classics like JM Barrie’s Peter Pan and Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, including a facsimile version of the author’s own handwritten edition with his own illustrations.
“It’s fascinating to see his interpretation of Alice, and how different illustrators have portrayed her,” says Susan. “You can see, too, in Peter Pan, the 1911 edition has quite simple drawings, but by 1925, the pictures are
much bigger and more colourful.”
The collection includes more recent works by Scottish authors such as Debi Gliori, Mairi Hedderwick and Julia Donaldson, featuring some of their books translated into Scots and Orcadian.
“It’s great to see all the different approaches to these cautionary tales – the idea that children should be a little naughty, that being naughty is different from being bad,” smiles Susan. “It’s more about play, and children have to be able to play.
“What many of the works have in common is that the children in them deal with quite dark subjects, such as bereavement or bullying, but they manage to muddle through.”
The #Mitchell Curious sessions on Mischief-Makers will take place at the Mitchell Library on Monday, July 9, Wednesday, July 11 and Thursday, July 12, although customers are able to request to view items held in the Special Collections at any time.
Call 0141 287 2999 for more information.
Do you have a favourite book from your childhood? Tell us all about it – email your stories and photos to ann.fotheringham@ heraldandtimes.co.uk