The Gruffalo 2023
Bound by Glenn Bartley, Royal Bindery | 4.8 x 4.4 x 1.2 cm (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1171614
Julia Donaldson (b. 1948)
The Gruffalo / Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler 2023
Julia Donaldson (b. 1948)
The Gruffalo / Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler 2023
Julia Donaldson (b. 1948)
The Gruffalo / Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler 2023
Julia Donaldson (b. 1948)
The Gruffalo / Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler 2023
Julia Donaldson (b. 1948)
The Mantelpiece / Alan Bennett 2023
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This book is part of the Modern-Day Miniature Library, a contemporary collection of miniature handwritten and hand-bound books which has been assembled to celebrate 100 years since Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was completed in 1924.
Of the nearly 600 books placed on the shelves of the Dolls' House Library in the 1920s, over 170 are tiny manuscripts handwritten by the most notable authors of the time. Together, these create a time capsule of literary culture.
Echoing the process of a century ago, today's writers were again asked to write by hand in miniature format. Their little pages were bound by leading contemporary designer-binders. After being displayed in an exhibition at Windsor Castle during 2024, the new collection of doll-size books will be kept together in the Royal Library.
As the centenary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House coincides with the 25th anniversary of the first publication of The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the duo have handwritten and hand-painted a miniature version of their well-loved children’s story. The little book contains new illustrations, never before seen, including a picture of Gruffalo Crumble. The tiny manuscript has been bound by Glenn Bartley, Head of the Royal Bindery, with tiny versions of the Gruffalo and the Mouse gold-tooled on to the spine. The use of the images of the Gruffalo and Mouse on the binding is with the permission of Axel Scheffler.Provenance
Book handwritten by Julia Donaldson and hand-illustrated by Axel Scheffler and sent to the Royal Library in July 2023. Binding hand-bound by Glenn Bartley of the Royal Bindery and received by the Royal Library in December 2023. The manuscript and binding were given in celebration of the centenary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
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Creator(s)
(illustrator)(binder)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Bound by Glenn Bartley, Royal Bindery
Measurements
4.8 x 4.4 x 1.2 cm (book measurement (conservation))
7.2 x 5.3 x 0.8 cm (historic measurement)
Category
Alternative title(s)
The Gruffalo / Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler.