Tuesday, February 2, 2010

De Grummond Collection



The De Grummond Collection was founded in 1966 by Lena de Grummond, who obviously had a passion for literature. The collection is composed of American and British children's literature from different times. There are several original manuscripts and illustrations in the De Grummond Collection, which gives it a very authentic quality. Seeing an exhibit, such as this one, is a very rewarding experience because it is like seeing a part of history. Seeing these manuscripts and drawings bring back childhood memories of reading stories, especially the Little Golden Books like "The Poky Little Puppy." I remember that being one of my favorite books as a child. I probably read it almost everything single day in elementary school.
Everyone has heard about Curious George, who is a very important asset to the De Grummond Collection. Curious George was created by H.A. and Margret Rey - a couple who escaped Nazi Germany with their literary creation. Most of the Rey's remaining original works were donated to the De Grummond Collection. Also, according to the Collection's Web site, parts of the exhibit travel around the country so that the unique experience can be shared with others who have a love for literature. This exhibit has a nostalgic quality for many people since the collection comes from several different generations of children's literature. It is a unique exhibit that not all major universities can say that they have. I am proud that the University of Southern Mississippi has such a prized collection of art.


Take a look at the De Grummond website: http://www.lib.usm.edu/~degrum/

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