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Rare Baloo Painting Found at Author's Estate
21 Feb
Summary
- A rare watercolour of Baloo from The Jungle Book is now on display.
- The 1902 painting by Edward Julius Detmold is at Kipling's former home.
- Only five of the original 16 illustrations are known to still exist.
A cherished watercolour depicting Baloo, the gentle brown bear from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, is currently exhibited at Bateman's in East Sussex, the National Trust has announced. This artwork, titled Baloo in the Forest, was created in 1902 by Edward Julius Detmold, one of two twin brothers commissioned to illustrate the iconic book. The painting is a significant addition to the National Trust's collection, offering a rare view into the artistic process that brought the beloved characters to life.
This acquisition is especially noteworthy given the rarity of the original illustrations; only five of the sixteen watercolours produced by the Detmold twins are known to survive. Visitors to Bateman's can now view two of these surviving pieces together, as another original, The Return of the Buffalo Herd, was also acquired recently. The twins meticulously captured the essence of the characters by sketching animals from life at London Zoo, ensuring a foundation of detailed accuracy for their vibrant watercolours.
The National Trust secured this latest acquisition through a fund established by the late Simon Sainsbury and contributions from various supporters, including the Rye and District National Trust Association. The presence of these surviving illustrations at Kipling's former residence provides a unique opportunity for the public to connect with the origins of The Jungle Book's enduring magic.
