Since it opened in 2005, Seven Stories has been Britain's national gallery and archive of children's literature and art.
Housed in a seven storey, Grade II listed former-Victorian mill, Seven Stories celebrates the role of books in childhood and the place of children's literature in British culture. It is home to a national collection of writing and illustration by some of the UK's finest authors and children's illustrators, including work by Jacqueline Wilson, Terry Jones, Philip Pullman and Quentin Blake. Seven Stories' collection is particularly unique and contains anotated manuscripts, photographs, early editions and works of art relating to children's literature.
Regular events designed to inspire young book worms feature loveable characters from children's literature, including Mog the cat and Winnie and Wilbur, and there are plenty of immersive experiences and interactive exhibitions to transport you into the vibrant worlds created by some of the nation's most celebrated children's authors.
A real highlight on display is an intricate set of illustrations for Graham Greene's The Little Train by artist Edward Ardizzone. The complete set of watercolours showcases the talent of one of the most important and influential illustrators of the 20th century, and was acquired for Seven Stories with Art Fund support in 2011.
On Windrush Day (22 June) Seven Stories launched the Whose Stories? podcast, which highlights the contribution writers of Caribbean decent have made to the landscape of British children's literature. The podcast seeks to inspire children of Caribbean decent to see themselves represented in children's stories and as the writers of the future.
