Unseen Winnie The Pooh archive to sell at Fieldings

An Archive of Manuscripts, Autographs, Drafts and Corrected Proofs for Now We Are Six, and The House at Pooh Corner and other material relating to Winnie the Pooh, originally from the Estate of Frederick Muller of Methuen’s and then by descent.

A rare, unique and incredibly exciting archive collection of letters, manuscripts and drawings relating to childhood favourite Winnie the Pooh have been discovered and will be offered for sale by Fieldings Auctioneers Ltd.

The archive which covers a stream of exchanges between author A.A, Milne, illustrator E.H.Shepherd and publisher Frederick Muller of Methuen has been discovered hidden amongst the papers of the late Leslie Smith who had a lifelong career in the publishing industry.

The collection of original letters, sketches and printers’ proofs covers previously unseen private conversations and ideas about some of the worlds most famous children’s publications, including moments of creative tension and even a stern reprimand from Winne the Pooh himself in a letter dated the 28^th of March 1928.

“By the way Pooh protests strongly against being called a ‘fabulous monster’ in todays Observer, and threatens to come to Methuen’s one day to show you”

The collection includes design ideas for individual Christmas cards from characters including Pooh, Piglet, Tiger and Eeyore! A stream of planning letters and original mock ups of Now we are Six and The House at Pooh Corner, but most excitingly are the original penned mock ups for Christopher Robins Birthday book, including a sensational and heart-warming original pen and ink drawing of Pooh and Piglet walking side by side in the snow.

This archive offers a unique opportunity for friends of Winne the Pooh to read and understand the creative genius first hand and represents probably the last collection of documents and manuscripts to come to market.

The collection was appraised with the assistance of Clive Farahar, book specialist on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow who exclaimed, ‘This is an incredible discovery in the world of Winnie the Pooh, especially when it was thought all documents were accounted for. It has been an absolute pleasure to read through these rare, unique and personal letters and documents which give further insight into our favourite honey loving bear’

The collection further includes correspondence from Lord Of The Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien amd Enid Blyton.

To be sold by auction at Fieldings Auctioneers Ltd on Thursday 16th January, 2025,  lots 1 - 34. 

For all enquiries please contact Will Farmer 01384 444140 - will@fieldingsauctioneers.co.uk

Posted on 19 December 2024 in: TV & Media