Yesterday we went to The Hundred Acre Wood. . . .
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London has been holding a Winnie The Pooh exhibition until the 8th of April 2018. The exhibition allows you to experience the classic and wonderful story of a much loved bear, written by A.A. Milne and illustrated by E.H. Shepard.
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| “Oh, Bear!” said Christopher Robin. “How I do love you!” “So do I,” said Pooh.” - A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh |
Throughout the exhibition, you get to learn about the story behind the story. Christopher Robin, was the son of A.A. and Daphne Milne. Christopher was the inspiration for his father’s story books, as A.A. Milne would watch him play with his many toys, including his much loved bear named Winnie The Pooh.
The V&A have done a spectacular job of building the exhibition, complete with Pooh Bear’s house, including his thoughtful spot; Pooh Stick Bridge; Rabbit's Rabbit Hole, and even a little bed where you can read some Pooh books for bedtime!
The Pooh Stick Bridge was especially well made, as you could walk over the bridge and stare down into the moving water, to watch the pooh sticks and quotes from the story pass under the bridge! |
| He climbed and he climbed. . . |
The exhibition also features parts of the story, which are displayed beautifully with illustrations, props and hanging text. One such example is famous part where Pooh Bear goes to get honey from the bees nest, which is high up in the tree, so Pooh flies up into the sky with a balloon. This was even complete with buzzing bee sound effects!
'You never can tell with Bees.' ” - A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
Through the exhibition, you get to see Winnie the Pooh memorabilia, including several difference editions of the books, toys and lots of teddy bears.You also get to see many family photographs, letters, handwritten drafts of the books, and pencil sketches by E.H. Shepard, which in my opinion are much better than Disney’s portrayal of Pooh and friends. Since, E.H. Shepard’s illustrations are timeless.
It was my first experience of a V&A exhibition, and I would definitely want to go again. It was worth the snowy train ride, where I listened to the audiobook of Winnie The Pooh on route!
Also, the V&A have produced some beautiful items in the gift shop there are wonderful prints, pins and books! Being a bibliophile, I couldn’t resist to buy yet another book - because of course I need more books!! This a wonderfully illustrated hardback edition, detailing the history of Winnie The Pooh!
All in all, it was a beautiful exhibition!
“But, of course, it isn't really Good-bye, because the Forest will always be there... and anybody who is Friendly with Bears can find it.” ― A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner
