Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic

  • Closed
#ROMwinnie
September 1, 2020 to November 22, 2020
  • Level 4, Roloff Beny Gallery
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Experience the magical world of this much-loved bear and his friends.

About

Experience the timeless and universal appeal of one of the most adored fictional characters of all time – Winnie-the-Pooh –– in this immersive and playful exhibition. Kids and grown ups of all ages are invited to discover and rediscover the magical world of this much-loved bear and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood.

Featuring interactive activities and larger-than-life environments, this exhibition will make you fall in love again with these thoughtful characters and delight in their resourcefulness while appreciating the universal themes of cooperation, friendship and tolerance that they embody. Showcasing original sketches, manuscripts, letters, photographs and memorabilia, Winnie-the Pooh brings to life the story behind the creative partnership of author A.A. Milne and illustrator E.H. Shepard. Finally, have your own Heritage Minute and find out how a black bear from White River, Ontario, inspired the honey-loving, yellow-furred bear of very little brain in this exhibition exclusively at ROM, the only Canadian stop on the tour.

Highlights

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This was a beautiful, unexpected trip down memory lane and I am so thankful for experiencing this bright light, in what has been a somber few months. — Dana Clarke, ROM Visitor
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Live readings of the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin
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ROM curator Justin Jennings reading some of his (and his kids’) favourite stories of the Hundred Acre Wood.

Explore More

The little bear that charmed readers around the world.

Learn more about Winnie, the black bear from Canada who inspired one of the most adored fictional characters of all time, with Ryerson University’s The Real Winnie.

Tune in to explore the origins of this famous cast of characters and the Canadian connections. Then using food colouring, soap, and paper, we’ll recreate a classic scene with the bubble art technique!

Join ROM’s Justin Jennings as he explores the exhibition through a Canadian lens with author Lindsay Mattick, great-granddaughter of the real Winnie’s human companion, Captain Harry Colebourn

We chat with Justin Jennings, foremost archaeologist and Senior Curator in the ROM’s Department of Art and Culture

Go back to where it all began and find out how a black bear from White River, Ontario, inspired one of the most adored fictional characters of all time with Julius Bryant

The characters from Winnie-the-Pooh were all based on real toys. Julius Bryant sheds light on how illustrator E.H. Shepard was able to convey mood and character through his drawings

Take a closer look at the details of an original illustration from the exhibition

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Exhibition organised by the V&A.