Original Art by Marc Burckhardt, Gallery Shoal Creek, Austin, TX
H is for Hole
As in,
Down the rabbit hole!
Exhibit Organized by Danielle Brune Sigler, Harry Ransom Center
Associate Director for Research and Programs, with assistance from Alexandra Bass.
The Harry Ransom Center ~ The University of Texas
recently hosted a very special exhibit
in recognition of the 150th anniversary of
Lewis Carroll's,
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND.
Come along with me down the rabbit hole
for a glimpse of this fascinating exhibit
that celebrates one of the most popular
children's books of all times
and the magical imagination of Lewis Carroll.
and the magical imagination of Lewis Carroll.
Photo of Alice Liddell
It all began on July 4, 1862, when Charles Dodgson
conjured up a fanciful tale of a bored little girl
who fell down a rabbit hole.
His intent was to entertain the three young Liddell sisters
on an afternoon outing, now known as "the Golden Afternoon."
Little Alice Liddell was so taken by the story,
that she asked Mr. Dodgson to write it down for her,
which he did some two years later.
As they say, "The rest is history!"
Writing under the pseudonym of Lewis Carroll, Dodgson's,
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND,
was first published in 1872 with illustrations by John Tenniel.
Harry Rountree, Illustrator, London 1908
By 1907, the British copyright had expired and countless new
editions have been published through the years
with new artwork by artists and illustrators who have
provided their own artistic interpretations.
Milo Winter, American Illustrator, 1916
Alice Around the World Display
The year after the first publication, Lewis Carroll
worked with his publisher to pursue translations
of his book in both French and German.
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
has since been translated into many languages.
Early on, Lewis Carroll encouraged
the commercialization of
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND.
The postage stamp case, top right, was produced in 1890.
The Eberhard Faber colored pencils are from the late 1920s.
The board game, "Alice's Race in Wonderland" is English, undated.
One of my favorite contemporary interpretations
currently available on the market is Robert Sabuda's dazzling
pop-up version that includes seven full page pop-ups plus more
pop-ups within mini-books included on the pages.
Available here on Amazon.
I felt especially fortunate that this
incredible exhibit was right here in my home town.
as I've only presented a mere sampling of the
amazing collection the Harry Ransom Center
spotlighted within this exhibit.
It goes without saying that this Alice fan
has collected things herself through the years.
an avid fan of Lewis Carroll's Alice,
certainly you are not surprised that I have a few copies of
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
in my own library.
It's nearing time for the annual
Mad Tea Party @ A Fanciful Twist.
Hope to see you there on Saturday!
Joining
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