Image Source: Ivan Walsh Flickr

Celebrating 150 Years Of Alice In Wonderland

“Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality” – Lewis Carroll

art
Image Source: Wikimedia

It’s been 150 years since Lewis Carroll first imagined Alice in Wonderland, and to celebrate the British Library are hosting an exhibition in honour of the iconic tale’s birthday. The book, originally titled “Alice’s Adventures Underground” has inspired many adaptations over the last century and a half and has inspired writers and illustrators across the globe. The exhibition will display the original manuscript alongside the first illustrations created by John Tenniel.

manuscript written by Lewis Carroll
An extract from the original manuscript written by Lewis Carroll Image Source: Wikimedia

The British Library is also hosting a pop-up Mad Hatter’s gift shop where visitors can purchase Alice In Wonderland themed gifts including homeware, clothes and jewellery. Visitors can also buy the winning products from the “Redesigning Alice” competition selected earlier this year. The Library challenged artists to create souvenirs to be featured in the pop-up shop. While a panel of judges including experts from Etsy, The British Library and Liberty chose the winners.

Winners

ring Alice in wonderland art
Image Source: Kate Benjamin Flickr

Amongst the winners was Rentaro Nishimura, with his crown rings inspired by The Queen Of Hearts. His style combines traditional craft with digital technology. And much of his work is also produced using laser cutting as well as 3D printing.

bow Alice in wonderland art
Image Source: Dina Malkova Flickr

Designer, writer and successful business woman, Dina Malkova, also selected for her Lewes Bow Ties. Each bow tie is self tying and crafted from vintage fabric. The original illustrations on the cover of Alice’s Adventures Underground was an inspiration to Dina.

PencilBirds
Image Source: Disney

Emily Winter, founder of the Pobble & Ping pencil company, created pencils decorated with well known quotes from the original manuscript. Her vision is to bring back the pencil and inspire people to start writing again. If you would like to take a trip down the rabbit hole the pop-up shop is open from now until 31st January 2016, and the exhibition will be open from the 20th of November until the 17th of April 2016.

The original manuscript version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – See more at: http://www.bl.uk/collection-items/alices-adventures-under-ground-the-original-manuscript-version-of-alices-adventures-in-wonderland