Charlie and Lola fans can meet bestselling author-illustrator and Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Lauren Child at Newby Hall, near Ripon this summer.
“I have little sister Lola, she is small and very funny. ”
Writer and artist whose books are known and loved the world over, Lauren is the creator of characters including Clarice Bean, Ruby Redfort and Hubert Horatio as well as the ever-popular brother sister combo – Charlie and Lola.
Less well-known is Lauren’s life-long interest in dolls’ houses and in a first, Lauren is loaning her very own dolls’ house, which she has designed and furnished in her unique style over the last 30 years, to Newby Hall where it will be on display for visitors to enjoy until September.
Lauren said:
I am especially pleased that my dolls’ house will be shown alongside Newby’s own world-famous collection and to be part of this extraordinary tradition.
On Friday 6 July Newby will host a ‘Conversation with Lauren Child’ where Lauren will talk about her fascination for dolls’ houses and the joy of creating stories in a miniature world of make-believe.
Lauren will also be at Newby Hall on Saturday 7 July to officially open a complementary summer exhibition of her artwork as well as a Lauren Child character-themed trail in the lovely gardens. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the author in person and purchase signed copies of her books, including the latest Charlie and Lola title ‘A Dog with Nice Ears’ which is being released in paperback this summer.
The summer exhibition will run until 7 September and signed limited edition prints will be available to buy.
Lauren Child said:
I’m delighted to be involved in the Summer Exhibition at Newby Hall this year and that the garden trail will be based on my characters. I really look forward to meeting people at Newby in July.
Lauren has been awarded an MBE for her work, was appointed as an Artist for Peace by Unesco in 2008 and is the Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2017-19. Lauren is a passionate advocate for visual literacy and the importance of quality picture books for children. Lauren has illustrated many stories in her own iconic style which frequently uses pen and ink drawings combined with striking patterns and photographic images layered as multi-media collages.
Newby Hall owner Richard Compton said:
We are delighted to welcome an author of such international high calibre as Lauren Child to Newby Hall and honoured that she has chosen to host her much-loved dolls’ house here. It has pride of place in our extensive Dolls’ House exhibition and provides a great insight into the creative process behind some of the books Lauren has illustrated that are less well-known, such as “The Princess and the Pea “and “The Secret Garden”. I’m sure it will appeal to old and young alike.
Newby Hall is home to one of the finest collections of dolls’ houses and miniatures in the world with more than 70 dolls’ houses of all shapes, sizes, styles and ages on permanent display.
