Illustrations for the Original “Mary Poppins” are Found in Archives
Photo: Dr. Margaret Baguley (USQ)
Before Disney’s film “Mary Poppins”, the famous Nanny was the subject of a series of books by author P.L. Travers. Travers worked alongside illustrator Mary Shepard, who received very little acknowledgment for her artwork featured in the books. However, that is about to change. Dr. Margaret Baguley, from the University of Southern Queensland, has found some of Shepard’s lost illustrations at the Princeton library.
Baguley has a life-long love for Mary Poppins. She started looking through original hand-written notes between the author, Travers, and her illustrator, Shepard. This search then uncovered some never before seen illustrations for the books. These illustrations show the whimsical style of the original Mary Poppins.
The story goes, according to both legend and Dr. Baguley, that Travers saw one of Shepard’s drawings on a Christmas card. She liked the style and contacted Shepard, whose father was a famous illustrator, to help with the creation of Mary Poppins. Shepard was really the one who produced Mary Poppins’ look in the way modern fans picture her.
In the early stages, Travers seemed to be a mentor for Shepard and the friendship was mutually amicable. Unfortunately, the relationship ended badly over copyright issues. When Travers reached an agreement with Disney for the film in the 1960’s ,she left Shepard out of the deal completely.
Dr. Baguley states that some of the letters from Shepard around this time were very sad. “Is there any part of this for my drawings?”, she stated. The answer is yes. That classic first-position ballet stance Mary has while drifting to the earth with her umbrella. It was not written anywhere in the books. Shepard created it in her illustrations. She did finally receive a small portion for intellectual property for Mary’s feet.
Source: abc.net
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