Children's Books
Children's books from the 19th century to the present day
Overview
This collection was formed with the aim of preserving children’s books for the purpose of study and research. It numbers around 10,000 items and ranges in date from the 19th century to the present day. The collection provides examples of book illustration, design and original bindings, and reflects changing attitudes to children and childhood.
Strengths of the collection include Edwardian boys’ adventure stories and stories for girls, and Victorian children’s periodicals. There are a substantial number of picture books dating from the 1970s to the present day.
Image: ‘The Story of the Little Red Engine’ written by Diana Ross and illustrated by Leslie Wood. Faber and Faber, 1945. © Estate of Leslie Wood.
Authors and artists well represented in the collection include:
- 19th century illustrators such as Walter Crane and Kate Greenaway
- mid 20th century illustrators such as Edward Ardizzone, Kathleen Hale and Leslie Wood (Manchester School of Art alumni)
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the colourful explosion of the 1960s and 1970s to be found in the work of Charles Keeping, Brian Wildsmith and Doreen Roberts
- contemporary artists and authors such as Tony Ross, Lauren Child, Oliver Jeffers
You can search the collection online using the Search link below. To view it in person, you can either drop-in to the Reading Room during our opening hours or book an appointment in advance. If you’d like to bring your students to see some of the collection, enquire about a group visit.
Access the collection
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Reading Room
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Photography and Copyright
You can photograph our collections for personal study and research only. Just ask for a Photography Permission Form when you visit.
If you’re not able to visit us in person, we may be able to send you a scan or photograph of the item instead.
Contact us if you need an image for use in social media, print or online publication, or commercial purposes.
Get in touch
Get in touch
If you have any questions about our collections and archives, our friendly team will be able to help. Visit the Contact us page for ways to get in touch.
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