‘Marvellous and Mischievous: Literature’s Young Rebels’ opens at the British Library :: NEWS

‘Marvellous and Mischievous: Literature’s Young Rebels’ opens at the British Library

07 November 2019 Share

A free, family friendly exhibition showcasing the British Library’s vast collection of children’s literature, opening on 8th November 2019 and running until 1st March 2020.

    * Featuring over 50 books, manuscripts and original artwork, the exhibition includes characters such as Tracy Beaker, Pippi Longstocking, Jane Eyre, Dirty Bertie, Billy from Billy and the Beast and Matilda and spans over 300 years, inviting visitors to rediscover their favourite characters, as well as meet new ones
    * A celebration of rebels in children’s literature, the exhibition will examine what it means to be a rebel through an array of characters from some of the most memorable children’s books
    * The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of events including talks from world-famous authors such as Jacqueline Wilson, Lauren Child and Malorie Blackman as well as family activity workshops.


 Books and manuscripts from the Library’s collections, in addition to original artwork, will tell the history of rebels in children’s literature, from the 17th century to items published as recently as this year.

The exhibition will highlight how rebels in children’s literature have been presented in many different ways: characters who stand up for what they believe in, break away from convention, have a cause they are striving for, are extremely resilient, survive difficult situations, or are just slightly mischievous. Exploring characters’ adventures as well as adversities at home, at school and on journeys, the exhibition will also include interactive elements such as the opportunity to write your own story, or dress up as a rebel. Exhibition cases have been lowered especially for this exhibition so young visitors are able to engage with the literature and artwork on display.


 Events

There will be a series of events inspired by the exhibition, including a range of adult learning courses from Illustrating Children’s Literature and Interactive Fiction to a weekend creative writing masterclass on Children’s Fiction and a study day on Fairy Tales. School groups can enjoy exclusive access on Tuesdays and Wednesdays including free, activity-led facilitated workshops for Primary students.

Marvellous and Mischievous: Literature’s Young Rebels is a free exhibition, but booking is recommend in advance on the website here.