The Mystery of Bernard Sleigh’s Fairyland Map

We LOVE mythical creatures and fairies... who doesn't?

We write this our first blog gathering interesting info on one of our favorite images of all times: A Vintage Mappe of Fairyland. Many authorities have argued that the Victorian fairy fascination was a response to disenchantment with their world- and an effort to re-enchant it.  By 1918 the need for enchantment was very great. An idyllic fantastical land created by Bernard Sleigh at the end of the Great War and which then stood in sharp juxtaposition to bomb-blasted Europe. We were immediately drawn to this imaginary and could see ourselves traveling through the waters, lands and bridges of this beautifully crafted work of art and cartography. 

English artist Bernard Sleigh (1872-1954) was born in Birmingham, England. He began his art studies at age 14, when he was apprenticed to a wood engraver. He received his formal art education at the famed Birmingham School of Art. He specialized in illustration, painting murals, stained glass, in addition to wood engraving. Like his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sleigh believed in fairies, and supported Doyle in his mystical endeavors and research.

The map reveals Fairyland people and places such as: the Elfin Temple; Goblin Land; the Faerie Shrine; the castle from “La Belle et la Bête” (Beauty and the Beast); Rapunzel’s tower; Bogle’s Corner; the Elfrain Cove, and so much more!

The 1917 Guide to the map is a charming read, being poetic and full of authentic fairy folklore. Sleigh begins:

“In the heart of every child is hidden a little golden key which unlocks the door of a silent, clean swept room full of changing lights and mystic shadows.  There, every child that is born into the world enters at times to gaze eagerly upon the one great window, pictured with ancient legends…

You can read more on this amazing site we found in the web: https://britishfairies.wordpress.com 

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