A Grimm Christmas

It’s been 200 years since the beguiling, brilliant and often brutal Grimm Fairytales were first published.

Hansel and Gretel, by Emma Block
Hansel and Gretel, by Emma Block

The work of the Grimm Brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm, has spawned numerous editions and reinterpretations since.

Emmeline Pidgen
Emmeline Pidgen

Marking the 200th anniversary, London book store Foyles will be holding a Grimm-inspired exhibition called The Enchanted Forest, with work from illustrators including Emma Block, Lesley Barnes, Laura Barrett, Natsuki Otani, Yelena Bryksenkova, Emmeline Pidgen and Karolin Schnoor.

Golden Bird, by Lesley Barnes
Golden Bird, by Lesley Barnes

All the illustrators were briefed to interpret the Grimm tales into a Christmassy image, and the project has seen them draw from a broad spectrum of the 211 stories, including classics such as Hansel and Gretel and less well-known takes including The Golden Bird.

Snow White, by Emma Block
Snow White, by Emma Block

Pidgen is also using the event to launch her new illustrations for children’s book Sylvester and the New Year, published by Far Far Away Books. It tells the legend of Sylvester, who comes to earth every year on New Year’s Eve.

From Sylvester and the New Year, by Emmeline Pidgen
From Sylvester and the New Year, by Emmeline Pidgen

The Enchanted Forest runs from 28 November ­ 8 December at The Gallery at Foyles, Third Floor, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H. To see more of the work visit enchantedforestshow.wordpress.com.

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