Special guest to join in farewell Angelina Ballerina Story time

Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Books

Tuesday 31 March 2015, 10.30 - 11am

Seven Stories is delighted to welcome a special guest to their popular Angelina Ballerina story time.  Illustrator Helen Craig, whose intricate drawings bring to life the stories of Angelina Ballerina, will attend the very special story time at the National Centre. 

Surrounded by her beautiful illustrations in the Twists and Tails – the Story of Angelina Ballerina gallery, this special event is the perfect way to bid farewell to the popular StoryLab exhibition.  Families are invited to join Seven Stories’ storyteller for an interactive session, listen to readings of the classic picture books from the Angelina Ballerina series and ask Helen any questions.

Helen Craig chose to donate her entire Angelina Ballerina archive to Seven Stories in 2012/13, with the exception of just seven illustrations which she has given to her grandchildren. Katherine Holabird, author of the series had already donated her archive to the National Collection in 2012 which includes manuscripts, publisher correspondence and merchandise.  Visitors have been able to explore the intricate detail of Helen’s illustrations and uncover the creative process behind the duo’s timeless classic as it evolved from a single illustrated story published in 1983 into a series of titles following Angelina to the Big City and beyond.  The incredibly successful Angelina Ballerina franchise now includes animated television series, spin off titles and even a production by the National Ballet.

Not only does the archive represent one of the most popular children's series of the past thirty years, but the level of detail available from both sides of the page is wonderful, making this Seven Stories’ most comprehensive collections.

Twists and Tails – the Story of Angelina Ballerina has enjoyed a successful year at Seven Stories with thousands of visitors perfecting their pirouette in front of a full length Mouseland Mirror and discovering the magical world of Angelina Ballerina and her creators.  

Helen Craig says “I have been working on the Angelina books since 1983. It is a large body of work if all the roughs and preliminary ideas are included. So I was absolutely delighted when Seven Stories agreed to take and archive all the material.  Now I am really excited to finally see the Angelina exhibition that Seven Stories has put on - what an honour!"

During the event, Helen will illustrate an exclusive picture which will be auctioned as part of Seven Stories’ 10th Birthday Appeal.  The illustrator’s visit comes at a timely juncture as the Centre closes its doors on Monday 20 April for exciting refurbishment and sees the end the Twists and Tails and Moving Stories exhibitions.  As a charity, Seven Stories relies on donations to continue to save, celebrate and share the inspiring world of children’s books. The 10th Birthday Appeal supports Seven Stories’ bid to reach their £750, 000 target for the upcoming refurbishment.  The centre has already raised £640,000 towards this scheme and is being supported by a grant from Arts Council England and by a number of trusts and foundations.

 

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Media Contact

For images, quotes or interviews please contact:

Hannah Lambert, Marketing and Programming Assistant

Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. NE1 2PQ.

T: 0845 271 0777 ext. 223

E: hannah.lambert@sevenstories.org.uk

Notes to Editor:

  1. Seven Stories – National Centre for Children’s Books.

Seven Stories is the only place in Britain dedicated to the art of children’s books and the joy of reading, and one of just a few such places in the world. Our work is enjoyed by over 150,000 people every year.

Everything we do aims to inspire children and grown-ups to be curious, imaginative and creative. We strive to ensure that people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can take part to enjoy a lifetime of reading for pleasure.

Our home is a carefully converted Victorian warehouse in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. We opened in 2005 and our seven floors house galleries for exhibitions, performances and creative spaces, a specialist children’s bookshop and a café.

Seven Stories is widely recognised for our abilities and achievements. We have established an important collection of artwork, manuscripts and archives of Britain’s most acclaimed writers and illustrators for children from 1930s to the present day. We bring this unique treasure trove to life through playful and immersive exhibitions, an entertaining and informative public events programme and research opportunities.

Seven Stories was awarded National status by Arts Council England in 2012 in recognition of the significance of our Collection and its high standard of care, and the excellent way that we engage with our visitors and users. We were also awarded with a National Lottery Award in September 2013 after being voted the UK’s favourite education project. 

  1. The Twists and Tails – the Story of Angelina Ballerina digital exhibition can be accessed here http://sevenstoriesexhibition.cfpreview.co.uk/  .

  2. For more information and behind the scenes from Helen Craig’s studio, visit the Collection Team Blog http://sevenstoriescollection.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/helen-craigs-studio.html

  3. Follow Seven Stories even while they are closed by reading their 10 Years of Seven Stories Blog https://sevenstories10years.wordpress.com/ .

  4. To donate to the Seven Stories’ 10th Birthday Appeal, please follow this link: http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/get-involved/donate/your-details?value=other .