From the Guardian · · 2m
Unseen Jansson drawings debut in London
A major exhibition opens this November with over 100 previously unpublished works by the Moomins creator.
In brief
A major exhibition opens this November with over 100 previously unpublished works by the Moomins creator. Tove Jansson's newly discovered illustrations reveal the depth and prolific nature of one of children's literature's most influential artists. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Moomins phenomenon spans 80 years
Tove Jansson's beloved Moomin books have sold up to 30 million copies since 1945, translated into more than 60 languages and inspiring films, TV series, and theme parks worldwide.
London hosts first UK illustration show
Tove Jansson and her Families opens at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration in November, 25 years after the Finnish artist's death, featuring over 100 exhibits including sketches, photographs, and correspondence.
First Moomins book art on display
The exhibition includes original illustrations from The Moomins and the Great Flood, where Jansson created a world described as natural, benign, and full of possibility.
Never-before-seen Moominpappa sketch
A draft cover illustration of Moominpappa with a giant shell, created for Moominpappa at Sea, has recently surfaced and will be shown publicly for the first time.
Stories work on universal level
Jansson's niece Sophia explains that her aunt had a gift for embedding themes about human nature and interaction into fantastical tales that appeal to both children and adults.
“She had this very special skill to harness themes that touch the reader on a universal and a personal level”
Childhood booklets to childhood classics
At age seven, Jansson was already writing and illustrating homemade booklets to sell to classmates, showing early signs of the fantasy and imagination that would define her career.
Tolkien surprised by Gollum reinterpretation
Jansson illustrated The Hobbit in a horror style, making Gollum monstrously large. Tolkien was so surprised he amended the second edition to describe Gollum as small and slimy.
Political cartoonist against fascism
During World War Two, Jansson was an outspoken political cartoonist who criticized fascism, once saying she enjoyed being beastly to Hitler and Stalin through her work.
“Most of all I liked the fact that I got to be beastly to Hitler and Stalin”
London Evening News launched Moomins
Jansson's first Moomin comic strip debuted in 1954 in London's Evening News, a rare achievement for a female cartoonist at the time, and was circulated worldwide.
The short version
Tove Jansson's newly discovered illustrations reveal the depth and prolific nature of one of children's literature's most influential artists.
