Family Mythologies: The Little Book of Magic
The Little Book of Magic, Produced as part of the Community Artistry Lab: Family Mythologies at the British Library.
Taking Inspiration from the British Library: Miniature Books
Hatbox by Christine Tacq, The Nutshell Library by Maurice Sendak and Bay Bridges in a Nutshell published by les2twins.
One of the first books I discovered in the British Library was a tiny handmade book, contained in the shell of a walnut. I love the idea of the book as a seed, quietly containing fantastical worlds filled with transformative potential. There is also the practical consideration of size; a very small book can be kept in a pocket, easily transported, and, like a seed, allows ideas to grow and spread. Looking at this book reminded me of a miniature book by one of my favourite illustrators, Maurice Sendak, coincidentally called ‘The Nutshell Library”.
When I was in primary school, my handwriting was so small that the teachers could not read it. But in a society which rewards being ever louder, bigger and bolder, it is easy to internalise that ‘bigger is better’ and forget the quiet, hidden power of small things.
Inside the Little Book of Magic
Postcard design and writing by Zac Slater
“If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life, as an unfailing antidote against the boredom and disenchantments of later years, the sterile preoccupation with things that are artificial, the alienation from the sources of our strength.” ― Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
With Special Thanks
It has been such a pleasure working on this project, getting to be so inspired by the collection at the British Library, including the Fairytales exhibition, a series of fantastic talks and workshops, and four incredible artists with diverse practices. Thank you to everyone involved in this project!
With extra special thanks to Lilan Lemouchi and Shaoli Choudhury and the Community Engagement Team, for creating, organising, and delivering this incredible project.
Night turns into day, the earth turns on its axis again and just like that, its time to fall asleep… or is it time to wake up?
