A lison Uttley was a uniquely gifted and much-loved writer of children's stories. The adventures of Little Grey Rabbit, Squirrel and Hare, Little Red Fox and Sam Pig sold in their millions. Her vividly portrayed characters inhabit a magical, enchanted world drawn from the author's own idyllic childhood in rural Derbyshire, reflecting her passion for nature and deep love of the countryside. Warm-hearted and exquisitely detailed, her books are full of wry humour and gentle sentiment.
She was a complicated woman.
Her forceful personality and exacting demands blighted many relationships, notably with Margaret Tempest who illustrated most of the Grey Rabbit books.
They fought bitterly over who should have the greater share in copyright and royalties. She was dismissive of literary rivals, describing Enid Blyton as a "vulgar, curled woman", and saying that Beatrix Potter was not a storyteller but an illustrator who fitted words around pictures.
Alice Jane Taylor (she adopted the name Alison when her first book was published), was born during a snowstorm at Castle Top Farm, Cromford, near Matlock, in Derbyshire's Peak District on 17 December 1884. Magnificently situated in an isolated spot above the Derwent Valley, the Taylor family had farmed there for 200 years, and the hilly, wooded landscape was to make a lifelong impression on the young Alison.
Denne historien er fra December 2024-utgaven av Best of British.
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Denne historien er fra December 2024-utgaven av Best of British.
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Animal Magic
Hilary Middleton recalls a children's author whose tales are still enjoyed today
BACK IN TIME WITH COLIN BAKER
BoB's very own Time Lord prepares for an alternative to panto, recalls his early reading choices and having his scenes cut from two cutting edge comedies
Marvels in Miniature
Claire Saul learns about the exquisite works on display at a new exhibition being held at a historic Georgian mansion
The Last Post
Michael Foley witnessed the end of an era
The Box of Delights
Chris Hallam remembers how his Christmas 40 years ago was lit up by a magical television drama
The Queen of Stage and Screen
Chris Hallam pays tribute to actress Dame Maggie Smith
Other 07
Jonathan Sothcott looks at the seven Sir Roger Moore films that you should have in your collection
In the Best Possible Taste
Derek Lamb remembers the wireless wizardry of Kenny Everett
POSTCARD FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Bob Barton remembers a ghostly train journey, enjoys some wassailing and fulfils a long-held ambition of attending a lawnmower festival
MERCY MISSION
John Greeves recounts the remarkable exploits of Sunderland flying boat T9114
