Fantastical snails on display for the first time

An unpublished book about fantastical snails written by a renowned war artist is going on display for the first time.

In 1945, Edward Bawden, from Essex, wrote Snails for All for his two young children, which was never put to print.

It was kept in private ownership for years, but has been gifted to The Higgins museum in Bedford, and an exhibition featuring artwork from the book will open on Saturday.

Museum curator Victoria Partridge said it was "truly amazing when something you've never seen before is given to you, so now Snails for All is really for all of us".

Partridge, who also keeps fine and decorative art, said the "generous" donor wanted to remain anonymous.

Every page from the book, which follows the stories of seven mythical molluscs, is going on display.

The Higgins, which is owned by Bedford Borough Council, is the home of the Edward Bawden Gallery, which is a collection of over 1,000 pieces that he donated to the gallery in the 1980s.

Partridge said the exhibition showed Bawden's macabre humour, featuring lots of monsters and animals who met sticky ends.

As the book was made "funny and accessible" to children, she wanted them to be involved, so invited pupils from Putnoe Primary School in Bedford to take part in workshops run by local artist Philippa McDonald.

"They were the first to see the book and now their [own] inspired work is on display," said Partridge.

The book features seven mythical species of snail, named Domesticks, Animacules, Lovelies, The Giant Tortoise, Big Ben & Little Ben, Aurochs and Heartsease - whose shell is encrusted with precious stones.

Victoria Booth, senior leader in the arts at the school, said her pupils were "delighted" and "proud" to be involved.

"These bespoke sessions really followed the pupils' intuitive creative instincts and allowed them to build confidence and express themselves," said Booth.

"We can't wait to see the gallery."

One pupil said: "It was very exciting, especially as our artwork will be there with Bawden's book."

Another commented: "I'm excited and grateful to see my work in the same space as a professional artist. I guess that makes me a professional artist now."

Bawden (1903-89) lived in Great Bardfield near Braintree, and in Saffron Walden, and was one of 30 people appointed by the War Artists' Advisory Committee during World War Two.

The Bawden family has also given permission for a copy of the book to go on sale at the museum.

Snails for All runs from Saturday until 13 June 2027 at the Edward Bawden Gallery in the museum.

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