It’s got to be one of my favourite childhood books, and next weekend a special treat awaits local fans of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad, Kenneth Grahame’s ever-popular quartet of riverside adventurers.
On Friday, November 25th a new, beautifully-illustrated edition of Wind in the Willows will be launched in The Maven Gallery, 3-4 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR (opposite the Bath Guildhall).
For more than a century Grahame’s imaginary world has inspired the dreams of children. Now Calne-based artist Chris Dunn has turned such dreams into reality with 120 watercolour illustrations that delightfully complement the words and create a fascinating book. A book that will enchant young readers and bring a nostalgic glow to adults who will find their memories so brilliantly reimagined.
“Illustrating Grahame’s masterpiece has been a labour of love over the past 10 years” commented Chris. “I could continue painting Ratty and Mole on the river, Badger in his Wild Wood and Toad’s misadventures for years to come. However, there comes a time to stop, collect all the artwork together and publish.”
Chris will have copies of the book, original watercolours and limited-edition prints at the Maven Gallery between 10.0am and 5.30pm from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th November.
Wind in the Willows is published by Editions Caurette, Strasbourg, in collaboration with Galerie Daniel Maghen, Paris. The UK edition is priced at £35.
No longer living in Bath I am unable to visit the Maven Gallery and so would appreciate details of how to obtain the book elsewhere.
Can only suggest contacting the gallery Neil or trying local bookshop or looking on Amazon.