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The Guardian World1 min read
Pooh in pencil: sketches for original Winnie-the-Pooh book shared for first time
TL;DR
Previously unseen sketches of Winnie-the-Pooh by E H Shepard have been shared for the first time, marking the centenary of the beloved book. These early drawings provide insight into Shepard's creative process and depict familiar scenes not illustrated in the original 1926 publication.
Key points
- Unseen sketches of Winnie-the-Pooh shared for the first time
- Drawings by E H Shepard mark the centenary of the book
- Sketches show Pooh and friends in familiar scenes
- Offer insight into Shepard's creative process
- Depict passages not illustrated in the original publication
Mentioned in this story
E H ShepardA A Milne
Winnie-the-Pooh
Previously unseen drawings of Winnie-the-Pooh that show the honey-loving bear before he was introduced to generations of readers in the 1926 book have come to light.
Two preliminary pencil sketches by E H Shepard have been shared for the first time by his family to mark the centenary of one of the most loved books in children’s literature.
Having been abandoned at the very earliest stage of the book’s creation, the drawings offer a rare glimpse into Shepard’s working process and imagination as he brought AA Milne’s character to life. They depict passages that are familiar to readers but were not accompanied by illustrations in the original published book.
A pencil drawing, captioned: “Climbing very cautiously up the stream”, shows Pooh and his adventure-loving friends Christopher Robin, Piglet and Owl. It was intended for Chapter VIII, in which Christopher Robin leads an “expotition” to the north pole.
The other sketch is a delicate study for a chapter III in which Pooh and Piglet go hunting and nearly catch a Woozle. Photograph: © E. H. Shepard
In that passage, Milne wrote: “‘We are all going on an Expedition,’ said Christopher Robin, as he got up and brushed himself. ‘Thank you, Pooh.’
“‘Going on an Expotition?’ said Pooh eagerly. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever been on one of those. Where are we going to on this Expotition?’
“‘Expedition, silly old Bear. It’s got an ‘x’ in it.’
“‘Oh!’ said Pooh. ‘I know.’ But he didn’t really.”
Another sketch that never made the final book is a delicate study for Chapter III, in which Pooh and Piglet go hunting and nearly catch a Woozle.
The drawings will be shown at Peter Harrington Rare Books in Dover Street, central London, as part of an exhibition that opens on 17 April.
The drawings are being shown at Peter Harrington Rare Books in Dover Street, London, from Friday. Photograph: © E. H. Shepard
Philip W Errington, a senior specialist at Peter Harrington, described the drawings as “very special”. He said: “[In] these preliminary sketches, Shepard’s putting these first thoughts on paper and there’s an absolute, vibrant creativity going on there.
Q&A
What are the newly shared sketches of Winnie-the-Pooh about?
The sketches depict Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends, showcasing scenes from the book that were not originally illustrated.
Who created the original Winnie-the-Pooh sketches?
The sketches were created by E H Shepard, the illustrator for A A Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh.
Why are the sketches significant for the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh?
They provide a rare glimpse into the early creative process of E H Shepard and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the beloved children's book.
What scenes do the sketches depict from the Winnie-the-Pooh book?
One sketch shows Pooh and friends on an adventure, specifically intended for Chapter VIII, where they embark on an 'expotition' to the north pole.
