This summer the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is marking the 140th anniversary of the publication of Black Beauty, with an exhibition of beautiful Cecil Aldin watercolours from Tuesday 25 July - Saturday 25 November. The book, by local author Anna Sewell, was first published by Jarrold & Sons.

The museum, which sits at the heart of the Norwich Lanes and tells the stories of the city, is a fitting location for this small exhibition which weaves the story of the paintings, the novel, the author, and local publisher into one family-friendly display.

Cecil Aldin (1870-1935) had a long association with The Illustrated London News. His pictures of dogs were particularly popular and he also produced nursery illustrations after the births of his children.  He produced large sets of prints of hunts and races and was in great demand as an illustrator for books and magazines. He illustrated the 1910 edition of Dicken's The Pickwick Papers. One of his most popular books was Sleeping Partners a series of pastel drawings of his dogs on a couch including his Irish Wolfhound Micket and his favourite model Cracker, a bull terrier with a dark patch over one eye.

He was commissioned by Jarrold in 1912 to produce a series of 18 watercolours to illustrate a new edition. For these he was paid £189, which was probably quite a high fee for that time

Jarrolds have a copy of an early version of this edition – not dated, but produced for Boots. The illustrations were printed by letterpress in three colours and the quality is quite remarkable considering what a difficult and expensive technical process it was. Jarrold sold its general publishing division in the 1920s and Black Beauty was the title in which there was the most interest.

The watercolours lay undiscovered for many years until the Jarrold family found them carefully stored in a box in 1982. They were then framed and exhibited, but can only be displayed for a short while as they need to be protected to preserve the vibrant colours. Thirteen of these works will be on display at the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell.  

In 2004 a selection of the pictures were taken to the Antiques Road Show when it took place at Norwich Cathedral. There was a lot of interest in them and they were featured on the programme. Black Beauty has never been out of print and there are many different editions available.

Anna Sewell was born in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, in 1820. Her mother, Mary, was a successful author of children's books and later wrote household tracts for Jarrolds.

For several years, the family settled at Wick – near to Bath and Bristol - where Mrs Sewell wrote most of her own books and Anna helped her with them, being quite a stern critic.  It was during this time when - inspired by a friend mentioning a title that author Horace Bushnell had written about animals - she saw the way in which Anna spoke and interacted with her pony, and the idea for writing Black Beauty was lodged in Anna's mind.

The first mention of the book was in a journal of Anna's under the date November 6th 1871 when she wrote 'I am writing the life of a horse, and getting dolls and boxes ready for Christmas.'

This is the only mention of it until December 1876 when she writes 'I am getting on with my little book 'Black Beauty''. By this time, the family had moved to Old Catton in Norwich and Anna wrote the book from her sofa. Anna was paid £40 for the manuscript, which was not a lot but not unreasonable for an unpublished author. Black Beauty was published near to the end of the year in 1877, just a year before Anna died. The sympathetic portrayal of working horses in the book led to a vast outpouring of concern for animal welfare, and it is said this resulted in the abolition of the 'checkrein', or 'bearing rein', used to keep horses' heads high which was painful and damaging.    

The exhibition is a rare chance to see the watercolours produced by Cecil Aldin, and over the summer holidays there will be a trail and other family activities on themed around the exhibition.

Jarrold & Sons no longer publish books; however the Jarrolds family opened a large independent department store in 1823 with a book department. Jarrolds will join the commemoration of Black Beauty by offering themed summer activities including competitions for children, a special August afternoon tea and the exclusive sale of a Woodforde's Black Beauty beer in their Deli. Jarrolds also sell a hard backed copy of Black Beauty which includes illustrations by Cecil Aldin - a lovely keepsake for people who have visited the exhibition. 

Mel Cook, PR manager at VisitNorwich said; “2017 is VisitEngland's Year of Literary Heroes and we are delighted that the 140th anniversary of the publication of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell falls in this year. Norwich was England's first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012 - the city has a plethora of writing talent dating back to the 12th century including the first woman to be published in the English language: Julian of Norwich.

Even though the publishing arm of Jarrolds no longer exists, it holds a large archive from its printing days and we're so lucky that this collection can be made available for everyone to enjoy. I'm sure literary lovers will be thrilled at this small exhibition linked to special activities at Jarrolds for all ages.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

For images and further information please contact Melanie Cook PR manager, 01603 727939 melanie.cook@visitnorwich.co.uk. www.visitnorwich.co.uk & www.cityofstories.co.uk. 

·         VisitNorwich is the destination management organisation for the Norwich area and is the tourism destination marketing function of Norwich Business Improvement District. Norwich BID is a not for profit company limited by guarantee funded by a levy on its member businesses. VisitNorwich is a discreet membership organisation within Norwich BID and its activities are funded by members, public sector stakeholders, including Norwich City Council and South Norfolk Council, and directly by Norwich BID.  VisitNorwich's sole focus is to promote and develop the destination and support its members through collaborative marketing, research, information and business advice.

·         In 2017 and 2014 VisitNorwich members won VisitEngland's Tourism Superstar award - Duane Dibartolomeo (Grosvenor Fish Bar) and Buz Allen (Potters Resort) respectively. VisitNorwich is the only DMO to have seen two members win since the award was launched in 2011.

·         In 2014 VisitNorwich- funded by the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) - launched Norwich, the City of Stories a digital campaign which reached finalist status in the EDP Norfolk Tourism Awards 2015.

·         In 2014 Norwich was named as one of Britain's Top 10 cities in The Telegraph Travel Awards.

·         In 2014 The Norwich Lanes was crowned Great British High Street of the Year in the city category. 

·         The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts was one of the six finalists for the prestigious Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2014.

·         In 2012 Norwich became England's first UNESCO City of Literature. This accolade is a permanent status.

Events

140th anniversary Black Beauty in-store events
Jarrolds – Norwich's only independent department store
5 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1JF
23 July – 31 August
www.jarrold.co.uk  

This year, VisitEngland is celebrating England's literary heroes. In 1877 Jarrold & Sons (Norwich) published a story by local writer Anna Sewell. The story, told from the perspective of a horse, went on to become a 50 million bestseller: Black Beauty.

Jarrolds no longer publish books; they do however have a wonderful department store. To celebrate  the 140th anniversary of the publication of Black Beauty by Jarrold & Sons dive into Black Beauty themed events in the Jarrolds book department with a questions & answers children's competition and browse the choice of different editions of Black Beauty on sale. Plus in the Arts & Craft department there'll be colouring/drawing competitions.

The book - a spirited horse passes through the hands of many masters ― some kind, some cruel - in this classic of children's literature. Narrated from the horse's perspective in simple yet lyrical language, Black Beauty tells a moving story of courage in the face of adversity and the healing power of love and kindness. Generations of readers of all ages have adored this 1877 novel, which is widely credited with having improved the treatment of horses. A deluxe hardcover edition is available graced with 18, full-colour illustrations by British artist Cecil Aldin, famous for his fine equestrian art. A Calla Edition, originally published by Jarrold Publishers, Ltd. Available from Jarrold Book department for a special price of £20, RRP £22.99.

In the Deli treat yourself to a Woodforde's Black Beauty beer, exclusive to Jarrolds. Or enjoy a Black Beauty Afternoon Tea during August featuring a special Victoria Sandwich in Benjis in-store restaurant.

Cecil Aldin: The Art of Black Beauty at the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Bridewell Alley, Norwich, NR2 1AQ
25 July – 25 November
http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk 

Free entry to the museum for the first two weeks of the exhibition courtesy of the 700th commemoration of the Norwich Freemen. 

This summer the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is marking the 140th anniversary of the publication of Black Beauty with an exhibition of beautiful Cecil Aldin watercolours. The book, by local author Anna Sewell was first published by Jarrold & Sons.

The museum, which sits at the heart of the Norwich Lanes, and tells the stories of the city, is a fitting location for this small exhibition which weaves the story of the paintings, the novel, the author and local publisher into one family-friendly display.

Cecil Aldin was commissioned by Jarrold in 1912 to produce a series of 18 water colours to illustrate a new edition. For these he was paid £189, which was probably quite a high fee for that time.

The water colours lay undiscovered for many years until the Jarrold family found them carefully stored in a box in 1982. They were then framed and exhibited but can only be displayed for a short while as they need to be protected to preserve the vibrant colours. Thirteen of these works will be on display at the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell.

The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm.
Tickets to the Museum are; Adults: £5.70, Concessions: £5.40, Children: £4.55, Families of one adult plus children: £14.55 Families of two adults plus children: £19.40, Twilight admission (one hour before closing): £1. Entry is free to Norfolk Museums Pass Holders, Friends of Norwich Museums, and Carers with a disabled visitor and Under 4s.

About the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell

The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is part of Norfolk Museums Service, a multi award-winning service comprising ten museums and a study centre. It is one of only 21 Major Partner Museums in the country receiving substantial revenue investment from Arts Council England. Norfolk Museums Service is a partnership between Norfolk County Council and Norfolk's district councils, funded through council tax, earned income and grants.

The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Tickets to the Museum (which include entry to half term activities) are Adults: £5.70, Concessions: £5.40, Children: £4.55, Families of one adult plus children: £14.55 Families of two adults plus children: £19.40, Twilight admission (one hour before closing): £1. Entry is free to Norfolk Museums Pass Holders, Friends of Norwich Museums, and Carers with a disabled visitor and Under 4s.

www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk 

About Jarrolds

Through the reigns of nine monarchs, massive changes in the world of retail and other businesses, and two World Wars, Jarrold has played a part in the lives of generations of Norfolk families. The roots of the Jarrold business were in shopkeeping; it then developed to become a leading printer and publisher during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Today the business is concentrated on retail activities in Norwich and its branches in Norfolk, and property development and business services in the city. The company archive is now held at the Norfolk Record Office and is contained in over 350 boxes. The collection has recently been comprehensively catalogued for the first time. This rich archive provides a fascinating peek into the workings of one of Norfolk's longest established family businesses, whilst reflecting a wider historic picture.

www.jarrold.co.uk 

About Woodforde's

It was way back in 1981 that Woodforde's Norfolk Ales produced the first commercial brew of Wherry Bitter at the original brewery in Drayton, near Norwich. Within a relatively short time Woodforde's Norfolk Ales became a byword for consistency and excellence amongst brewers of cask conditioned ale and their customers. They have grown from tiny beginnings on the industrial estate at Drayton to become one of the most respected of the new wave of craft brewers who started up in the early 1980s.

The brewery was established by Ray Ashworth and Dr David Crease, both enthusiastic members of the Norwich Homebrewers' Society, and named after Parson Woodforde - a noted eighteenth century Norfolk clergyman whose diaries reveal his passion for good food and good ale, which he often brewed himself.

Woodforde's Norfolk Ales has been brewing beer for over 30 years using only the finest Norfolk malting barley. It is one of a handful of brewers to have brewed two Champion Beers of Britain, including Wherry, its best-selling beer.

The brewery, which is nestled in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, has an on-site shop and visitors centre selling bottled beers, beer boxes and gifts. It is also where visitors can take a tour of the brewery. The brewery tap, The Fur and Feather Inn, is located next-door.

www.woodfordes.co.uk