In The Central Gallery
Mother Goose in an Air-Ship: McLoughlin Bros. 19th Century Children’s Books from the Liman Collection
November 24, 2009 - April 18, 2010
This exhibit highlights beautifully-illustrated children’s books, printed in Brooklyn by McLoughlin Bros., a publisher who pioneered new technology and marketing techniques in the mass production of inexpensive children’s books. These books were recognized as precursors to the Golden Books and constitute a nice adjunct to the exhibition, Golden Legacy: Original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books, in the East Gallery. The Liman Book Collection is an especially rich resource for exploring the values, character, and world views of nineteenth-century America.
Visitors will see children’s classics, such as Gulliver’s Travels and adaptations of Robinson Crusoe, educational books, such as various ABCs, Mother Goose stories, Christmas Books, books teaching children how to paint or draw, along with games and puzzles. These delightful books will “amuse and delight” both children and their parents. The Liman Collection of Nineteenth-Century McLoughlin Bros. Illustrated Children’s Books was graciously donated to the Brooklyn Historical Society by Mrs. Ellen Liman.
In The West Gallery
80/40: Continuing the Celebration and Exploring the Undersea World of Eric Carle
September 19, 2009 - March 28, 2010
The Carle continues its celebration of Eric Carle's 80th birthday and the 40th anniversary of the publication of The Very Hungry Caterpillar with a new installation of work from this remarkable book. AS well, in conjunction with Picture Book Theater’s productions based on A House for Hermit Crab and Mister Seahorse, examples from these two books are on view. To augment this aquatic theme, marine subjects from the permanent collection by Norman Gorbaty and Peter Sìs have also been put on exhibit.
Shop for books, posters, and stationery by artists who have appeared in our galleries.
The Fox and the Grapes © 1950 by Antonio Frasconi.
In The East Gallery
Into the Wood: Antonio Frasconi's Art for Children
March 16 - June 13, 2010
Legendary artist Antonio Frasconi turns ninety-one this year. Born in Uruguay to Italian parents, Frasconi came to New York to pursue his dream of being an artist — and was quickly recognized as one of the most innovative illustrators of his time. Best known for his intricate woodcuts and powerful social commentary, Frasconi also created a beautiful series of children’s books, inspired by the birth of his sons, Pablo and Miguel. One of his best known, See and Say: A Picture Book in Four Languages [1955], was groundbreaking — a book not as much about learning to speak four different languages as it was to experience them as part of Frasconi’s vision of a vast and complex world. In addition to the original art from his picture books, the exhibition includes books created in such small editions they are rarely available to a wide audience for viewing.