Hans Christian Andersen was born 200 years ago in Odense, Denmark.
His fairy stories are internationally well-known and loved but how
did such a self-obsessed, social misfit create this world of engaging
fantasy? Using clues provided by some of his best-known characters,
this exhibition explores his rags to riches story and shows how
his life is reflected in his stories. Explore the panel display,
watch films of his life, enter our competition, see the fantastic
Lego swan and ugly duckling, and dip into books written by and about
him.
The exhibition runs in parallel with a major exhibition on the
same theme at the British Library in London.
Celebration Day
Saturday 2 July 2005, 10.30-16.00
Ugly ducklings, tin soldiers and little mermaids –
everyone is welcome!
at Leeds Central Library, The Headrow, Leeds
| 10.30 |
Art workshop based on Andersen's
tales |
| 11.30 |
Stephen Novy, storyteller
extraordinaire, presents Storytelling and puppets.
In costume, Stephen Novy tells some of Andersen’s most
famous stories, and through them weaves the story of the author’s
life, brilliantly bringing together the real man and his tales.
“Brilliant… the shadow puppets were fantastic …
the children were captivated.”
Suitable for all ages up to 12 years.
|
| 13.00 |
 Meet Ian Beck, the famous
illustrator of children’s stories
Ian will entertain familiies with a look at some of his famous
books, including his new picture book, The Little Mermaid,
freely adapted from the Andersen story.
|
| 14:30 |
Stephen
Novy, storyteller extraordinaire, presents Storytelling
and puppets
as above
|
| 15.30 |
A happy ending ...
The day’s activities will come to a close with a party
atmosphere in the Central Library. Come in fancy dress if
you choose – little mermaids, tin soldiers, ducklings,
swans, emperors, princesses (with pea!)... The choice is endless.
Fancy dress parade at 15.30. |
All activities are free and will take place in the exhibition space
on the first floor. Join us throughout the day for children’s
activities, colouring, quizzes, Lego and face painting. No need
to book, just turn up.
Andersen events at a library near you
Whether you live in Holt Park, Pudsey, Morley or anywhere in the
Leeds area, check out your local library for more children’s
Andersen activities throughout June.
And why not dip into a magical tale written for adults or children?
Yorkshire libraries are joining forces with public libraries in
London to offer you a recommended read of 50 books in the tradition
of Hans Christian Andersen. Pick up a leaflet at your local public
library to explore further, or check the Leeds Libraries website
at http://www.leeds.gov.uk/libraries
Talks at the British Library Boston Spa
Thursday 30 June 2005, 19.00-20.30
Ian Beck
Illustrating Andersen
The
famous children’s illustrator will focus on the creation of
his recent picture book The Little Mermaid, freely adapted from
the Andersen original. It will illustrate the process from beginning
to end – from rough workings and pictures that went wrong
to the design and printing process.
Price £4.00 (concessions £3.00)
Book
now
Wednesday 13 July 2005, 19.00-20.30
Kristian Jensen
Hans Christian Andersen: the art of being excluded
Andersen's
social background was poverty stricken and though he won great acclaim,
his continued perception of himself was as an outsider. Much of
his writing deals with themes of rejection and exclusion, both social
and emotional. Kristian will explore how these topics emerge as
biographical elements within his fiction.
Kristian is Head of Early Printed Collections at the British Library,
and co-curator of the Library’s London-based Hans Christian
Andersen exhibition.
Price £4.00 (concessions
£3.00)
Book
now
Note: the British
Library Boston Spa is situated on the Thorp Arch Trading Estate,
near Wetherby and the village of Walton. It is NOT in Boston Spa
village! Free parking is available.
Competition
We have two fantastic Andersen at the British Library
gift packs to be won, especially for visitors to our Leeds exhibition.
We want you to visit our London exhibition. It’s free, and
you can browse other small displays at the same time, have lunch
in our café and take away a souvenir from our shop: all
in the fantastic setting of our impressive new building opened by
the Queen in 1998. Each prize consists of rail travel for two people
from your nearest GNER station to London King's Cross, an overnight
stay at Hotel Russell in Russell Square, gift tokens for the British
Library’s café and shop and a British Library Andersen
gift.
To enter, visit the British Library’s Andersen exhibition
in Leeds Central Library, complete the entry form and post it in
the box provided. Closing date: Wednesday 27 July 2005.
Competition
terms and conditions apply
Home > 
