Secret Winnie-the-Pooh Archive Found in Attic Worth $118,000!

A forgotten stash of Winnie-the-Pooh manuscripts hidden in an attic has been auctioned for over $118,000, captivating collectors worldwide. 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Lifestyle

ST. PAUL, MN – A discovery in a dusty attic has turned into a major auction success, drawing global attention and igniting fascination among literary collectors. What started as a simple cleanup turned into an extraordinary find when Simon Smith stumbled upon a bag filled with forgotten papers. Inside were priceless manuscripts, drawings, and letters tied to beloved children’s author A.A. Milne, creator of Winnie-the-Pooh.

These rare materials, which included original illustrations, drafts, and personal letters, sold at auction for over $118,000, captivating bidders in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Hidden Archive Revealed

The papers were unearthed among the belongings of Simon Smith’s late father, Leslie Smith, who had worked in publishing and lived in Malvern, Worcestershire. After Leslie’s death in November 2023, Simon sorted through his possessions, unaware that he was about to uncover a literary jackpot.

Nestled within the plastic bag were handwritten drafts of Milne’s works, original illustrations from The Christopher Robin Birthday Book, and corrected proofs for Now We Are Six and The House at Pooh Corner.

One of the standout finds was an early draft of the poem Wind on the Hill, a charming piece of Milne’s legacy.

But it wasn’t just the stories that sparked excitement—personal correspondence between Milne, illustrator E.H. Shepherd, and publisher Frederick Muller added depth to the discovery. Letters revealed behind-the-scenes frustrations and insights, including Milne’s critiques of the illustrations and his defense of Pooh against a newspaper’s description of the character as a “fabulous monster.”

The London Evening News was the first to publish a Winnie-the-Pooh tale in December 1925.

Connections to Other Literary Giants

As if the Winnie-the-Pooh documents weren’t enough, Simon also uncovered letters from English children’s author Enid Blyton and postcards sent to his father by The Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien.

The collection offered a glimpse into the relationships and conversations that shaped 20th-century literature.

How Did the Papers End Up in the Attic?

Leslie Smith had a connection to these literary treasures through his work in publishing. His company, Cressrelles, took over the publishing house originally run by Muller’s family, giving him access to a wealth of documents tied to literary icons.

With so much history packed into the find, Simon decided the collection needed a broader audience. Instead of keeping the papers within the family, he worked with Fieldings Auctioneers to arrange their sale. The items were divided into 34 lots and carefully appraised with help from Clive Farahar, an expert from the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.

A.A. Milne’s Legacy Lives On

Milne’s work, created during a period of post-World War I sorrow, continues to bring joy to readers nearly a century later. His stories of Pooh and friends began as whimsical adventures with his son, Christopher Robin, exploring the English countryside and a real bear named Winnie from the London Zoo.

The books evolved into a global phenomenon, sparking films, TV shows, and countless merchandise. Today, Winnie-the-Pooh is a symbol of timeless storytelling, proving that childhood wonder can endure across generations and borders.

The auction not only celebrated Milne’s enduring charm but also breathed new life into forgotten literary artifacts, giving collectors and fans a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of literature’s most beloved worlds.

RELATED TOPICS: History | Lifestyle | United Kingdom