Our trip to see Peter Pan Goes Wrong reminded me that we have a couple of beautiful but very different illustrated editions of Peter Pan.
The first is an edition of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens from 1912 with distinctive colour illustrations by the accomplished artist and illustrator, Arthur Rackham. Over 50 of his colour illustrations are 'tipped in' (glued along one edge only) and protected by tissue guards. Rackham's style is unique and immediately recognisable: a palette dominated by muted browns and dark greens creates an atmospheric sepia picture; pixies, fairies and goblins are often around, bringing their magic and mystery to the illustrations. Rackham was a perfect choice for Peter Pan.
Our second illustrated edition is a more modern (2006) of Peter Pan and Wendy, the novel which Barrie based on his original play. Unusually for a modern edition, this also has tipped in colour illustrations, this time by contemporary illustrator Debra McFarlane. Her style couldn't be more different from Rackham's: in the 21st century we get vibrant colours dominated by strong blues and rich reds.
Both books create different but equally perfect images of Peter Pan, Wendy and all the other characters who are brought to life by the two illustrators almost a century apart.
The first is an edition of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens from 1912 with distinctive colour illustrations by the accomplished artist and illustrator, Arthur Rackham. Over 50 of his colour illustrations are 'tipped in' (glued along one edge only) and protected by tissue guards. Rackham's style is unique and immediately recognisable: a palette dominated by muted browns and dark greens creates an atmospheric sepia picture; pixies, fairies and goblins are often around, bringing their magic and mystery to the illustrations. Rackham was a perfect choice for Peter Pan.
Both books create different but equally perfect images of Peter Pan, Wendy and all the other characters who are brought to life by the two illustrators almost a century apart.