The recent discovery of a trove of Winnie-the-Pooh materials has captured the imagination of the publishing world. Simon Smith, while cleaning out his late father’s attic, stumbled upon a plastic bag filled with letters, drawings, and manuscripts that once belonged to A.A. Milne, the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh. These rare documents have now found new homes in the United States and the United Kingdom after being sold at auction for £95,000.
The papers were found among the belongings of Leslie Smith, who had worked in publishing and lived in Malvern, England. After his passing, his son, Simon, uncovered this unexpected treasure trove. Among the documents were original Winnie-the-Pooh manuscripts and drawings, including sketches for The Christopher Robin Birthday Book. The collection also included first drafts of Milne’s poem “Wind on the Hill,” as well as corrected proofs of Now We Are Six and The House at Pooh Corner.
Additionally, previously unseen correspondence between Milne, illustrator E.H. Shepherd, and publisher Frederick Muller was found. In one letter, Milne defends Winnie-the-Pooh against being called a “fabulous monster.” There were also letters expressing frustration with Shepherd’s illustrations. The collection also included correspondence from Enid Blyton and postcards from J.R.R. Tolkien.
Leslie Smith, who founded a publishing company called Cressrelles, had acquired the papers through his connections in the publishing industry. Simon Smith, overwhelmed by the discovery, decided to auction off the papers as he believed they would be better appreciated elsewhere.
The auction was organized by Fieldings Auctioneers, who split the collection into 34 lots. The papers were priced with the help of Clive Farahar from the BBC’s “Antiques Roadshow.” The materials were auctioned off to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the history and legacy of Winnie-the-Pooh.
A.A. Milne, a prolific humorist, editor, and playwright, created Winnie-the-Pooh after exploring the English countryside with his son, Christopher Robin. The beloved bear made his first appearance in a story published in the London Evening News in 1925. Since then, Winnie-the-Pooh has become a cultural icon, captivating audiences worldwide through books, movies, TV shows, and merchandise.
The discovery of these rare Winnie-the-Pooh materials offers a glimpse into the creative process and relationships behind this timeless character. The legacy of A.A. Milne and his beloved bear continues to enchant readers of all ages, making this find a significant moment in literary history.
