Puffin Post no.1 pages 1 and 2

Here are the promised first pages of Puffin Post number 1 (in fact I don't think it can really be said to have a number, but I have to call it something). It's wonderful to read Kaye's words in the light of the rebirth of the club. It's very poignant considering the upcoming 70th anniversary of Puffin books.

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

How rare is this?

Very rare! This is the cover of the very first Puffin Post - pre Puffin Club - which was circulated in selected books in 1966. We are very lucky that Ruth saved this amazing piece of history. As you would expect, it hasn't escaped some wear and tear, but it has been kept very well and restoring this has proved less eye-crossing than most.

To view the ENTIRE contents of this slice of Puffinalia, return to this blog in the weeks leading up to Christmas and I will endeavour to get it posted fairly regularly.

Thanks again Ruth!

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

Something a bit Blakey...

Here's a fabulous double page from Quentin Blake that illustrates the slightly off-beat humour that ran through the club. It's wonderfully subversive. I love his Puffins - they are more acerbic than Jill McDonalds, but still have the same questioning spirit.

This was first published in the pages of Puffin Post Volume 7 No.1

What's wrong with me - another Puffin Envelope!

This is a lovely example of the earlier envelope graphics that sported the coloured paper. It doesn't have the flamboyant look of the later envelopes, but it has such charm a playfulness about it that I can see why it was saved.

This is the only example of the early graphic that I have seen (I only ever received the later envelopes when I was a member) I would love to see any other examples if any of you out there would like me to work my restorers art on them.

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

Yet more coverage in the Press!

... and the new club has the seal of approval from Madonna! It's official - it's in the Telegraph!

I like to think that it means that more children will have the opportunity to find pleasure in something that doesn't have a screen or go 'beep'!

I was interviewed by James Vaughan, the author of the piece, to give some background as an old member of the club and my views on its future. It was a pleasant experience and I feel optimistic about the future for the new Puffineers. Before anyone thinks I am benefiting from all this press attention - I've done it all for free! If it gets a few kids reading, it'll be worth it.

link to the Telegraph article

Another winter envelope...

Another of Ruth's collection - I promise I will get back to the restoration of covers soon. This is so nice, I was almost tempted to make this my blog entry for Christmas, but I'm sticking to plan A, and give you one of my all-time favourite covers.







Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

The next time you tear open that envelope...

...you might want to think again! This is another image from Ruth's collection. These wonderful one colour pictures were printed on the envelopes that contained the precious copies of Puffin Post when they landed on your doormat. It certainly left you in no doubt as to what had arrived.

As always, these were drawn by Jill McDonald. Having now seen some examples of Jill's original work, I have begun to get an idea of how she worked. All of the beautiful line drawings that appeared in Puffin Post appear to have been drawn without guide pencil lines and drafted straight onto what looks like layout paper. Those of you with a background in old fashioned graphic art will know what that means! However she worked, I have yet to find a piece of her work that isn't beautifully proportioned and carefully considered.

Thanks Jill!

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

A Real Treat!!!

Dear Blog readers, I am so pleased to say that one of you has been in touch with me and very kindly sent a set of scans from her beautifully preserved collection. Ruth has kept some unbelievably rare items - I hope I will be able to share them with you after I have lavished care and attention on their digital restoration.

What a nice way to start the October posts!

Here is the cover from the 1969 Puffin Readers Diary - Thank you Ruth!

From the collection of Ruth - Founder Member 1487