Alice in Wonderland illustrations feature in new exhibition at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

A selection of the best of Sir John Tenniel’s illustrations to Lewis Carroll’s two Alice books – “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865) and “Through the Looking-Glass and what Alice Found There” (1872) - will be on show at the museum and the exhibition is a selection of the best illustrations from both books in which the creative genius of both Carroll and Tenniel is shown at its best.

John Tenniel spent all of his life in London where he worked as a political cartoonist for Punch magazine, but in 1864 he was approached by Lewis Carroll with the request to illustrate a small nonsense book for children he wished to publish.

The original drawings were made on wooden blocks and then engraved by commercial engravers in London and the prints on show at the museum are perfect examples of the skill of both the illustrator and engraver.

Councillor Brandon Eldred, Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet member for community engagement, said: “Looking in Wonderland is going to be a fantastic and magical exhibition for all ages and we are delighted that these celebrated illustrations will be on show in Northampton.”

To continue the Alice in Wonderland theme, there are a number of events being held at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery and Abington Park Museum and this also coincides with the release of a new Disney film “Alice through the Looking Glass” on May 27.

On Saturday May 7, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery will be hosting a workshop “Writing in Wonderland” from 10.30am – 3pm.

In this workshop participants will be guided through the process of creating a piece of writing led by the creative writers at the museum. The focus for the workshop will be the illustrations in the “Looking in Wonderland” exhibition.

On Saturday May 21 from 10am – 4pm there will be an “Alice in Wonderland Shoe Makeover Workshop” at the museum.

You can give your shoes an amazing Alice in Wonderland themed makeover in this special one day workshop by learning how to transform a plain pair of shoes by covering them in a choice of Wonderland themed trims and charms including miniature teacups and pocket watches.

On June 2, there will be a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Abington Park Museum from 1pm – 4pm.

You can join the Mad Hatter for afternoon tea, laughter workshops, garden games and giant croquet. Come and make your very own Wonderland hat where there will be a prize for the best hat of the day. Everyone is encouraged to come along in fancy dress. There will also be a pop up café with some amazing cakes on offer.

To book any of the Alice in Wonderland events and for more information please call 01604 837397.