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Gumnut Babies turn 100, May Gibbs' famous series celebrated in Sydney

By David Spicer

Updated December 05, 2016 15:39:08

Map: Neutral Bay 2089

One hundred years ago today May Gibbs published the first edition of her illustrated children's book, Gumnut Babies.

Soon after, the much-loved author penned a series of books featuring the iconic characters, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

An early environmentalist, Gibbs drew her inspiration from her childhood spent visiting the bush south of Perth and later, from her large garden in Sydney's Neutral Bay and bushwalks in the Blue Mountains.

The State Library of NSW has marked the milestone with an exhibition of her artwork.

A painting Photo: Children's author May Gibbs' books have been enjoyed by generations of Australians. (Supplied: State Library of NSW)

An artwork. Photo: The first book in May Gibbs' series Gumnut Babies and was published 100 years ago today. (Supplied: State Library of NSW)

Artwork from Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs Photo: The State Library of NSW is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gumnut Babies' publication. (Supplied: State Library of NSW)

Artwork from Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs Photo: May Gibbs moved to Australia, from England, at an early age. (Supplied: State Library of NSW)

An artwork. Photo: May Gibbs' artworks were a prominent feature of her children's books. (Supplied: State Library of NSW)

An artwork. Photo: May Gibbs' art was inspired by bushland in Western Australia and New South Wales. (Supplied: State Library of NSW)

Topics: books-literature, arts-and-entertainment, art-history, library-museum-and-gallery, neutral-bay-2089, nsw

First posted December 05, 2016 15:25:44

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