First Editions: Redrawn

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

First Editions: Redrawn FIRST EDITIONS: REDRAWN LONDON 8 DECEMBER 2014 FRONT COVER HOUSE OF ILLUSTRATION LOGO ILLUSTRATION © JEFF FISHER THIS PAGE LOT 15 THIS PAGE LOT 22 FIRST EDITIONS: REDRAWN AUCTION IN LONDON 8 DECEMBER 2014 SALE L14910 7.30 PM !DOORS OPEN AT 7.15 PM" EXHIBITION Friday 5 December 9 am-4.30 pm Sunday 7 December 12 noon-5 pm Monday 8 December 9 am-4.30 pm 34-35 New Bond Street London, W1A 2AA +44 (0)20 7293 5000 sothebys.com THIS PAGE LOT 16 SPECIALISTS AND AUCTION ENQUIRIES For further information on lots in this auction please contact any of the specialists listed below. SALE NUMBER SALE ADMINISTRATOR There is no buyer’s commission L14910 “ILLUSTRATION” Lukas Baumann charged for this sale. [email protected] BIDS DEPARTMENT +44 (0)20 7293 5287 Please note that all payment for +44 (0)20 7293 5283 !"# +44 (0)20 7293 5904 this sale must be made directly !"# +44 (0)20 7293 6255 with House of Illustration. [email protected] CATALOGUE PRICE £25 at the gallery Payment can be made on the Telephone bid requests should evening of sale or within 28 days Dr. Philip W. Errington be received 24 hours prior FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS CALL of the sale by contacting Director to the sale. This service is +44 (0)20 7293 5000 +44 (0)20 7293 5302 o$ ered for lots with a low estimate for UK & Europe Lucy Plaskett [email protected] of £2,000 and above. +1 212 606 7000 USA Head of Development and Communications PRIVATE CLIENT GROUP House of Illustration +44 %0&20 7293 6429 2 Granary Square [email protected] King’s Cross HEAD OF DEPARTMENT London N1C 4BH Holly Dunlap 020 3696 2022 [email protected] lucy.plaskett@ houseo/ llustration.org.uk EUROPE Alexandra Brenninkmeijer Alexandra.Brenninkmeijer@ sothebys.com Annabel O’Keeffe [email protected] Celsa Susino Ramirez [email protected] Fergus Duff [email protected] Penny Johanna Beer [email protected] ASIA Shu Zheng [email protected] MENA Katia Nounou [email protected] INDIA Gauri Agarwal [email protected] RUSSIA & CIS Alina Davey [email protected] Irina Kronrod [email protected] Lilija Sitnika [email protected] +44 (0)20 7293 5595 THIS PAGE LOT 33 CONTENTS 3 AUCTION INFORMATION 5 SPECIALISTS AND AUCTION ENQUIRIES 8 INTRODUCTION BY SIR QUENTIN BLAKE 9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BY COLIN MCKENZIE 10 FIRST EDITIONS: REDRAWN: LOTS 1#38 49 ABSENTEE BID FORM 51 CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS FOR BUYERS INTRODUCTION SIR QUENTIN BLAKE I have two reasons to feel fortunate. One is that earlier this year – as I hope everybody will know by now – the House of Illustration opened the doors of its own premises on Granary Square and, as someone who has been a supporter and enthusiast for the project from the beginning (even though it was not originally my idea) I was asked to put on its " rst exhibition, “Inside Stories”. The second reason is that I have been invited to write an introduction to this catalogue. House of Illustration has been at 2 Granary Square since the spring. Over the years when it was still a project, ably guided by Flora Craig, its activities were already numerous, including travelling exhibitions, talks and the initiation of an education programme. Now that it has its own front door and Colin McKenzie as its director an even wider range of possible activities and ventures opens up, for which funds will be needed; hence this auction. It’s an auction of " rst editions, and each volume is annotated and added to by the artist or author, with drawings, comments or explanations which, we hope, will give a new insight into the work and of course give it a special value. House of Illustration is deeply grateful and it is my enjoyable task to express its most profound thanks to all those artists who have responded. And what a response it has been! It’s an astonishing array. There are the great names from children’s book illustrations we have known all our lives as well as any number of other familiar younger names. However not the least striking aspect of this collection is the way that it demonstrates the range of possibilities of illustration from reportage to caricature to fantasy and beyond. I haven’t mentioned individual artists’ names here, because I invite you to go and look for your own favourites. I have so many that I would " nd such a decision di$ cult, but I’ll allow myself to say that I am particularly delighted to see on the list not one but two books from Australia’s incomparable Shaun Tan, as well as Paula Rego’s legendary Nursery Rhymes. The presence of all these works is an enormous act of generosity and, I believe, a striking vote of con" dence in House of Illustration and our hopes for its future. Deeply-felt thanks are also due, not for the " rst time, to Sotheby’s for putting on this auction with their incomparable mix of style, experience and erudition; and in particular to Melanie Clore and Dr Philip W. Errington for their unfailing kindness and interest in our ventures. They have done wonders for us. And thank you everybody, in advance, for your really serious bidding. We love you for it. 10 SOTHEBY’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS COLIN MCKENZIE, DIRECTOR, HOUSE OF ILLUSTRATION It would have been impossible to put together such a wonderful and unique collection of works to auction in support of House of Illustration without the generosity, dedication, hard work and enthusiasm of a great many people, and we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all those involved. We set out with the intention of creating the ultimate copy of a number of illustrated books that have become classics and, looking at the works contributed, it is clear that we have achieved this. I should like to express, on behalf of House of Illustration, heartfelt thanks to all those who have given so generously of their creativity, care and time. The readiness of such an illustrious group of illustrators and authors to support House of Illustration at this important moment in its evolution is not just appreciated but a source of great pride. We are particularly grateful to Claudia Ze% who was instrumental in getting this project o% the ground, and to the enthusiasm and generosity of Anthea and Jeremy Carver who not only donated works from their own collection, but who searched high and low for the " rst editions they didn’t have, and, having located and purchased them, they donated these too. We are also most grateful to the following who have donated books for annotation or embellishment: James Hallgate of Lucius Books, Lauren Child, Tony Ross, Shaun Tan, Laura Carlin, Walker Books, Bruce Ingman, Cate Olson and Nash Robbins, Dave McKean, Angela Barratt and Peter Brookes. Much valued help and advice was given by Jean Hedger Rare Books, John Atkinson, Don Woollard and Russell Vandenberg, and many thanks are due to Deborah Davis, Chair of the Provincial Book Fairs Association, who has helped us to promote the auction. Sotheby’s has long been a most generous supporter of House of Illustration, and we owe them a great debt not just for all that they have done to make this auction a reality, but for ensuring that it will make a very real " nancial contribution to House of Illustration by waiving their commission on the sale. Particular thanks must go to Dr Philip W. Errington, whose unbounded energy, enthusiasm, expertise and sheer hard work have been invaluable. As this auction takes place, House of Illustration will have been open for fewer than six months. The works displayed on the pages that follow remind us, if any reminder is necessary, just how important the art of illustration is. The money raised by this sale will make a huge contribution to the future success of what is the " rst organisation in the world devoted to the celebration and promotion of illustration in all its forms. FIRST EDITIONS: REDRAWN 11 1 1 BARRETT, ANGELA!POOLE, JOSEPHINE Anne Frank. Hutchinson, 2005 oblong small folio, " rst edition (“1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2” on imprint page), extensively annotated throughout by Angela Barrett together with facsimile copies of preparatory sketches laid down, original illustrated boards, dust-jacket Angela Barrett studied illustration at the Royal College of Art and, after graduating in 1980, began an acclaimed career in children’s book illustration. Can It Be True?, her collaboration with author Susan Hill, won the Smarties Book Prize in 1988, she has been short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal and twice been runner-up for the Emil/Kurt Maschler Award. The picture book retelling of Anne Frank has been translated into 12 languages. “There is some madness in the perspective of the cinema entrance – I usually make blunders like this when I’m in a hurry but this is really v. careless…” 1 10 SOTHEBY’S 2 2 BLAKE, PETER!CARROLL, LEWIS. Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Nottingham: D3 Editions, 2004 4to, number 176 of 500 copies, extra-illustrated with seven new illustrations together with several annotations by Peter Blake, signed by the artist, two items of ephemera signed by the artist and loosely inserted, original cloth, acetate dust-jacket Peter Blake is one of the leading artists of his generation and is known as the pioneer of British pop art. One of his best-known works is the 1967 album cover for The Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Recommended publications
  • 25Th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Date of Issue: 13 September 1965
    SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE 25th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Date of issue: 13 September 1965 ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.’ With these words Winston Churchill paid tribute to the men of the Royal Air Force who defended Britain against the German air assault in the autumn of 1940. Only months after the retreat from Dunkirk, Britain faced perhaps the darkest days of the entire war as the Luftwaffe launched an all-out bombardment intended to pave the way for a German invasion. For the first time in the history of warfare, an entire battle was fought in the air: the Battle of Britain took place between 10 July and 31 October 1940, reaching its climax in mid-September when the German bombers began to blitz London. By the end of the battle, the RAF had lost 911 aircraft with 414 pilots killed; Luftwaffe losses totalled 1,733 aircraft. REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE September 1965 marked the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) planned a special commemoration during Battle of Britain Week, an event that had been held annually since the war. On 11 May 1964 L G Johnson, a holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Deputy General Secretary of the Royal Air Forces Association, wrote to the Postmaster General (PMG), Reginald Bevins MP, with a request that the Post Office issue special stamps to mark the anniversary. He wrote: ‘This turning point in our history ... should not be allowed to pass uncommemorated, and one very appropriate way which would bring the occasion to the minds of people both at home and overseas would be the issue of a special postage stamp or stamps as is customary on similar anniversaries of national importance or interest.’ Despite Johnson’s assertion that stamps commemorating ‘similar anniversaries’ were the norm, D H Beaumont of the Postal Services Department replied that a Battle of Britain issue would not be possible, based on the Post Office’s policy regarding special stamps.
    [Show full text]
  • Lauren Child Event Transcript 715.6 Kb
    Scottish Book Trust Authors Live: Ruby Redfort with Lauren Child Date: 25th November 2016 Author/Interview subject: Lauren Child (LC) Interviewed by: Janice Forsyth (JF) Other speakers: Abi (A), girls in audience (Girl), boys in audience (Boy). [Introductory music] JF Hello there everybody, I’m Janice Forsyth. A huge warm welcome to Authors Live. Absolutely fantastic to have you here. I know you’ve got a busy day at school, so thank you very much for giving us the time. However you are in for a huge treat. And also with me are some real live pupils from Highpark Primary School in Glasgow and Knightsridge Primary in West Lothian. And rather lovely they are too. They’re going to be asking some questions a little later. They along with us and probably you too have been marking Scottish Book Week, Book Week Scotland. It’s been happening all this week. It’s Scotland’s national celebration of reading and writing and as always on Authors Live we like to make a very special edition of the show for that too. We knew we needed an extra special author to help us today. We’ve found just the person. She is an award winning author and illustrator who’s created so many books for children that – to be perfectly honest with you – we just can’t keep count of them all. There are just far too many. And they’re all brilliant. Many of you will be particularly familiar with her characters, Charlie and Lola. Of course, yeah, CBeebies, as well as in countless picture books.
    [Show full text]
  • Representation of Death in Award-Winning Picture Books Kathryn R
    Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2014 A Less than Perfect World: Representation of Death in Award-Winning Picture Books Kathryn R. Comellas Follow this and additional works at the FSU Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected] FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION A LESS THAN PERFECT WORLD: REPRESENTATION OF DEATH IN AWARD-WINNING PICTURE BOOKS By KATHRYN R. COMELLAS A Thesis submitted to the School of Information in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Degree Awarded: Fall Semester, 2014 © 2014 Kathryn R. Comellas Kathryn R. Comellas defended this thesis on November 4, 2014. The members of the supervisory committee were: Don L. Latham Professor Directing Thesis Melissa Gross Committee Member Nancy Everhart Committee Member The Graduate School has verified and approved the above-named committee member, and certifies that the treatise has been approved in accordance with university requirements. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... iv INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................1 METHODOLOGY ..........................................................................................................................2 AWARDS ........................................................................................................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • Booktrust Laureate List
    Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate with these Laureate books with a travelling theme… Suggested by Emily Drabble, BookTrust’s head of Children’s Book Promotions and Prizes Quentin Blake The Green Ship (Penguin) When two children journey over the wall, they discover a ship made out of trees and go on an imaginative voyage Mrs Armitage of Wheels (Penguin) Mrs Armitage sets off on a quiet cycle with her dog Breakspear but can’t help thinking of ways to improve her bike with disastrous consequences! Anne Fine Mrs Doubtfire (Puffin) lots of travelling from house to house for the split family in this masterpiece, and of course the journey the impractical out-of-work actor Dad Daniel goes on in this book is huge. Killer Cat Runs Away (Puffin) Tuffy the cat doesn’t feel at home anymore after he gets In big trouble from breaking the TV and eating Tinkerbell’s special kitten, so Tuffy decides to make a break for it and run away! Jacqueline Wilson Cliffhanger (Penguin, illustrated by Nick Sharratt) an adventure holiday sounds like fun, but Tim proves to be hopeless at sports of any kind. Can he survive the horrors of the week? Buried Alive (Penguin, illustrated by Nick Sharratt) Tim gets to bring his friend Biscuits on holiday with his family. But some local bully boys try and disrupt the fun. Michael Morpurgo Running Wild (Harper Collins) Will’s holiday to Indonesia with his mum turns to disaster as the Boxing Day Tsunami hits – and his escape on the back of Oona the elephant begins a truly epic adventure.
    [Show full text]
  • Pages 1 2 3 8.Indd
    Volume 8, Issue 1 December 2012 NewsleƩ er of the Teaching Resources CollecƟ on at Bishop Grosseteste University warm welcome back to a bigger, Abrighter, booktas c Hullabaloo!. We’ve been away a li le longer than an cipated, but we’ve got a really good excuse: just the small ma er of building a library! We had an especially interes ng me working with the designers of our purpose-built Teaching Resources Collec on (TRC), the new home of our wonderful children’s literature collec on. If you’ve not done so already, why not pay us a visit and see what all the fuss is about? If you’re reading this then you’re hopefully interested in children’s books. If so, why not join us at the next mee ng of our children’s literature group Book Talk? At our last mee ng we had great fun discussing the works of Anne Fine, Ruth Brown and Jackie Morris. The next mee ng will be on 15th January from 4-6pm in the Library Mee ng Room, when we’ll be discussing the novels of Michael Morpurgo and the picture books of Jeanne Willis. Hope to see you there! Happy Reading, Emma and Janice Inside this issue... • And The Winner Is… • BG Carnegie-Greenaway Challenge • Poetry Compe on • Building The TRC • When I Was A Nipper • Spotlight On Jackie Morris • Reading For Pleasure • Fond Farewells And The Winner Is... hilst we were busy building our Across the The Branford Boase Wnew library there were quite a pond, the Book Award went to few book prizes and medals awarded.
    [Show full text]
  • August Newsletter
    A U G U S T , 2 0 2 0 | E D I T I O N I V P A G E 1 AMITY GLOBAL SCHOOL,NOIDA The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. The learner profile is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes. The ten qualities of the learner profile inspire and motivate Learners of the aims and values of the IB and what we mean by “international-mindedness”. The IB Learner Profile traits promote the education of the child to become a lifelong learner and responsible citizen. IB LEARNER PROFILE A U G U S T , 2 0 2 0 | E D I T I O N I V P A G E 2 As IB Learners we strive to be CARING "We show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others”. Learners of grade P4 read the story “Chrysanthemum” written by Kevin Henkes and reflected upon the same by expounding on the noticeable learner profile. Chrysanthemum was caring because she didn't use to shout and talk rudely to anyone. When she was old enough to go to school, her friend used to tease her, but she did not do anything bad to her friends. She was never stubborn and always listened to her parents. That's why she was also called the "Lovely girl". Namirah Khan Chrysanthemum was caring because she cared about people's feelings.
    [Show full text]
  • ANDERSEN PRESS AUTUMN 2019 PICTURE BOOKS PICTURE BOOKS Sally Nicholls Bethan Woollvin Alex G
    ANDERSEN PRESS AUTUMN 2019 PICTURE BOOKS PICTURE BOOKS Sally Nicholls Bethan Woollvin Alex G. Griffiths THE BUTTON BOOK THE BUG Here’s a button. I wonder COLLECTOR what happens when you After George visits the press it? Museum of Wildlife with Grandad, all he can think From a singing button to a about is bugs! The very next tickle button, from a rude sound day he goes out hunting, but button to a mysterious white he soon finds there are no button, there’s only one way more insects left in the to find out what they do . garden, and the ones he has Come along on a magical captured in jars don’t look journey, powered only by very happy… George is imagination and play, from about to learn exactly why award-winning Sally Nicholls bugs are so important. and Bethan Woollvin. OCT 2019 9781783447749 32pp HB 2+ EBook available 250 x 250mm £12.99 JUL 2019 9781783447688 32pp HB 3+ SALLY NICHOLLS is known for her bestselling novels for children and teenagers. Her first EBook available 280 x 240mm £12.99 novel won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and more recently she has been shortlisted for the National Book Award, the YA Book Prize and the Carnegie Medal for Things a Bright Girl Can Do. The Button Book is her first picture book, inspired by her own children’s reading habits. Twitter: @Sally_Nicholls BETHAN WOOLLVIN is the author and illustrator of Macmillan Prize winning Little Red, which was chosen as one of The New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books 2016.
    [Show full text]
  • Chris Riddell Hans Christian Andersen Awards 2016 UK Illustrator Nomination PHOTO : JO RIDDELL PHOTO
    Chris Riddell Hans Christian Andersen Awards 2016 UK Illustrator Nomination PHOTO : JO RIDDELL PHOTO 1 Chris Riddell Biography Chris Riddell A Critical Appreciation Chris Riddell was born in South Africa. His father Richard Platt. This book and the earlier Castle Diary Chris Riddell is highly regarded in the UK and well as young readers’ chapter books, he addresses was an Anglican clergyman and his parents were involved him in detailed historical research, which internationally as a visual commentator and an audience that is often neglected: readers active in the anti-apartheid movement. His family he deployed in typically boisterous, characterful narrator; an artist and illustrator in command of who are still young enough to enjoy illustrations returned to Britain when Chris was a year old and and humorous style. Perhaps his most demanding a range of forms and genres varying from political supporting a narrative, but also old enough to he spent his childhood moving from parish to illustration project to date followed in 2004 with satire and cartoon to picture books, graphic novels engage with more sophisticated subject matter. parish. His interest in drawing began then and was his illustrations to Martin Jenkins’ adaptation of and cross-over forms. His broad understanding of Chris Riddell’s biggest virtue, however, is not that encouraged at secondary school. He remembers, Gulliver’s Travels, a classic whose combination visual communication, coupled with his classical he satisfies the expectations of theoretical analysis, “I had a wonderfully idiosyncratic art teacher, Jack of satire and fantasy played to his strengths as drawing ability and extended frame of reference, but that he can do so whilst communicating with Johnson, a painter who’d also been a newspaper an illustrator and earned him the second Kate has earned him the respect of broad and diverse and convincingly addressing his audience.
    [Show full text]
  • Teacher's Overview
    Teacher’s overview About this resource: The Snowman™ and The Snowdog film is the hugely successful sequel to Raymond Brigg’s Christmas classic The Snowman™ and was aired on television for the first time last year. It will provide some wonderfully festive inspiration to your English, Art, DT and PSHE lessons this autumn term. The resources created for Universal Pictures (UK) also include a series of crafting tutorials and videos to encourage children to engage in creative proJects to benefit members of our community who might need some extra care and attention this Christmas. This is an excellent opportunity for schools to reach out to the elderly and infirm through the provision of handmade gifts from the children. Why not organise a visit to a local nursing home for your class to present their gifts or invite them to your school assembly for a presentation? How to use this resource: These cross-curricular resources have been devised by educational consultants to meet the needs of teachers in Years 3 and 4. However, many of them can be adapted to meet Key Stage One objectives. SubJects include English, Art, DT and PSHE. For every lesson detailed below, there is a PowerPoint classroom presentation for use on white boards, and associated resources where relevant. There are teacher notes to be used in conjunction with the presentations, which will provide further context. You will also see a series of craft tutorials, which is listed at the end. Contents English with cross-curricular references to Art and Design • Lesson one: English National
    [Show full text]
  • Document Template
    Chatterbooks Fireside Fiction Activity Pack Reading and activity ideas for your Chatterbooks group Fireside Fiction About this pack Here are some fabulous Fireside Fiction titles for you to enjoy with your group, as well as ideas for discussion and activities. You’ll find stories about Christmas and winter; stories to take you to fantasy worlds and adventures, far away from the wind and the rain and the cold; stories which have been shared through generations; stories to curl up with by the fire , and stories to tell each other when you’re gathered round the fireside – or a cosy radiator. This Fireside Fiction pack is brought to you by The Reading Agency and their Children’s Reading Partner publisher partners. Chatterbooks [ www.chatterbooks.org.uk] is a reading group programme for children aged 4 to 14 years. It is coordinated by The Reading Agency and its patron is author Dame Jacqueline Wilson. Chatterbooks groups run in libraries and schools, supporting and inspiring children’s literacy development by encouraging them to have a really good time reading and talking about books. The Reading Agency is an independent charity working to inspire more people to read more through programmes for adults, young people and Children – including the Summer Reading Challenge, and Chatterbooks. See www.readingagency.org.uk Children’s Reading Partners is a national partnership of children’s publishers and libraries working together to bring reading promotions and author events to as many children and young people as possible. Contents 3 Fireside Fiction: Ideas for discussion, activities and story sharing: Warm up 4 Fireside Fiction: Longer activities 6 Fireside fiction for your Christmas tree 7 Fireside Fiction: the Books! 18 More Fireside Fiction reading ideas 19 A few tips for your Fireside Fiction story sharing Page 2 of 19 Fireside Fiction: Ideas for discussion, activities and story sharing Warm up Have a go at these two word puzzles.
    [Show full text]
  • The-David-Gentleman-Album.Pdf
    attempt to depart from our policy we should either have a great increase in the number of special issues or, alternatively, be faced with ERHAPS the greatest influence on British the invidious task of discriminating between stamp design was the Album of experi- the many important historical events and Pmental designs commissioned by Tony Benn as notable personalities.” Postmaster General from David Gentleman in 1965. In that, Gentleman vastly expanded the Benn proceeded to sweep this old-fashioned think- choice of possible subject matter and created a new ing aside. He announced, first to astonished postal shape for pictorial stamps. He also suggested that officials, and then to the House of Commons, the Queen’s head might be replaced by the royal dramatically new criteria: coat of arms or a crown, but this was not accepted. However, Gentleman then created a small cameo “to celebrate events of national or interna- head of the Queen instead of the awkward Wilding tional importance, to commemorate appropri- portrait, and this became standard. These revolu- ate anniversaries and occasions, to reflect Brit- tionary designs were to influence British stamp ain’s unique contribution to the arts and world design for over 20 years. affairs, to extend public patronage of the arts by promoting philately and to raise revenue.” Background ONY Benn was appointed Postmaster General in October 1964. One of his first Taims was to broaden the British Post Office’s crite- ria for issuing stamps which, at the time, was very conservative. Until then, only 20 commemorative issues had been made in the 12 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, of which 11 had been in the previ- ous two years.
    [Show full text]
  • Rebecca's Story
    Spring 2018 Chestnuts The newsletter from Chestnut Tree House Rebecca’s story ebecca Torricelli is 18 years old and has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a condition of the muscles and nervous system that affects around one in 8,000 people. She has never walked or crawled and Rhas always been in a wheelchair. Her condition affects her mobility, swallowing and respiratory system. Rebecca’s lungs are so susceptible to infection that a simple cold can lead to pneumonia and hospitalisation and her ability to swallow has deteriorated so much that she can now only eat puréed food. But despite all this, Rebecca, who is an extraordinary young lady, considers herself lucky: children with the most severe form of her condition rarely survive past infancy. She has kindly shared her story with us. “I can’t put into words what an amazing place it is and can only imagine what a haven it must have been for my parents.” I have been going to Chestnut Tree House since I was five years old. I was one of the first children to ever attend the hospice just after it was set up. Beforehand there was nowhere for struggling families to turn, and I can’t put into words what an amazing place it is and can only imagine what a haven it must have been for my parents. I was diagnosed with SMA type 1 when I was 15 months old, and my parents were originally told that I would lose all movement and muscle strength, so that I couldn’t even move my arms or head; I would not live past two years old.
    [Show full text]