Heroes and a precious thing
When I'm asked that morbid question of what would you save from your home if it went on fire (perish the thought), I always think of my little Peter Pan & Wendy book...
I was given this when I was around ten I think and it is just the most beautifully illustrated book by one of my favourite artists, Shirley Hughes. I can spend ages poring over her highly detailed ink drawings. She has such a talent for capturing the innocence of children with their little button noses and tangled hair.
And of course, it's a collaboration with one of my favourite storytellers, J.M. Barrie. I am very fortunate to live not very far (second star to the right in fact) from the place where J. M. Barrie was born and spent his formative years - Kirriemuir. It's such a little house (and I mean little - only three rooms, fit for a fairy). If you peek through the window below, you can see his first inspiration for the Wendy House; a stone built wash house where he would perform plays for his brothers and sisters.
And the cosy kitchen where he would have chased his siblings round the kitchen table...
When J. M. Barrie was six, his eldest brother died tragically in a skating accident. He was thirteen. His mother was devastated and to compensate, James tried to replace his brother by behaving and often dressing like him. But in his mother's eyes, David would remain a boy of thirteen forever and so the character of Peter Pan was born. The boy who never grew up.
Such genius, and a great legacy to leave to the world, all perfectly packaged in my beautifully bound little book.
What an interesting story. I never knew!
Posted by: Allison Fouse | 05/14/2008 at 01:45 AM
Glad to see you like Peter Pan and his creator so much! :) You might be interested to know that another Peter Pan novel is coming.
Unlike all the prequels and sequels already out, this one doesn't contradict Barrie's original stories. Actually, it's based on his idea to continue Pan's adventures.
Click on my name for the announcement page...BELIEVE!
Posted by: The Never Fairy | 05/14/2008 at 04:59 AM
Very interesting. What a thought! what to save in the event of a fire!!!where on earth would I start.....
Carol x
Posted by: carol | 05/15/2008 at 09:29 AM
Shirley Hughes is a fabulous artist.
I love your pics too!
Sal;-)
Posted by: Sal | 05/16/2008 at 09:26 PM
Thank you for posting these photos of J.M Barrie, I love the old kitchen! I adore Peter Pan, I also love the new movie that came out in 2003, visually stunning I watched it last night for Midsummers Eve,
Have a good week
Priscilla x
Posted by: Priscilla | 06/22/2008 at 01:39 PM