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Snowman Illustrator's Treasures Unearthed in New Archive
22 Oct
Summary
- Raymond Briggs' personal archive is now housed at The Keep in East Sussex.
- The collection includes early drafts and fan mail from The Snowman's success.
- The archive will be accessible to the public starting October.
An extraordinary archive belonging to The Snowman illustrator Raymond Briggs has been meticulously catalogued by an archivist who described the experience as entering Tutankhamun's tomb. This significant collection of personal papers, artwork, and records has been entrusted to The Keep, the headquarters of the East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Record Office.
The archive features early drafts of the iconic "The Snowman," along with sketches, unpublished works, and personal photographs that chart the development of Briggs' distinctive artistic style. Fan mail received after the publication of his famous works, such as "Fungus the Bogeyman," is also part of the collection.
Briggs, who resided and worked in Ditchling, East Sussex, for over six decades, also has letters he wrote to his parents during his evacuation to Dorset in World War Two included in the archive. The project to catalogue this rich historical material was supported by a grant from The National Archives.
Beginning in October, the archive will be accessible to the public. Individuals will be able to search the collection online and subsequently request items for viewing at The Keep. Local officials hope the collection will inspire future generations of artists and illustrators.
