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This souvenir sheet is issued for the London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition and features the event logo. Illustrations from three classic English children's books as well as the scene of London depicted in the background were chosen in tribute to this stamp exhibition.
Children's Books and their Illustrations
Some of the world's best and most beloved children's books stem from the United Kingdom. Nearly all of these books have been translated numerous times in Israel. There are five Hebrew translations of Winnie the Pooh, while Alice in Wonderland and its various adaptations have many translated versions, as do The Wind in the Willows, Peter Pan and many more.
British illustration, mainly from the "golden age" of illustration stretching from George Cruikshank to Ernest Shepard, is taught in all Israeli art schools and, as in many countries, serves as a basis and provides inspiration for many illustrators.
Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll, 1865)
This book, which is considered to be one of the most important children's books ever written, is an adaptation of a story told by the author to 10-year old Alice Liddell, The original Alice illustrator, Sir John Tenniel, defined Alice's character, a Victorian girl who did not resemble Alice Liddell at all, in the eyes of many readers, Many other illustrators have tried their hand at illustrating this book since. The stamp depicts the familiar scene in which Alice meets the hookah-smoking caterpillar seated atop a mushroom.
Gulliver's Travels (Jonathan Swift, 1726)
While Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels was not intended as a children's book, rather as a satire of society and its leaders in his day, Gulliver's travels to Lilliput, land of the little people, and Brobdingnag, land of the giants, were adapted into some of the most well known children's books in the world. Unlike Alice, there is no "customary" illustration of Gulliver and each illustrator, beginning with Grandville, who illustrated the original Gulliver's Travels, has chosen his own version of Gulliver.
Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie, 1906)
Part of the tale of Peter Pan takes place in London, thus Peter's character is integrated into the souvenir sheet's city background. Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up, was created from a story the author told the Llewelyn Davies family of Kensington Gardens. Peter Pan has become one of the most beloved books among children throughout the world, in part thanks to its many theater and cinema adaptations.
Danny Kerman
