Famous children’s author and illustrator, Madeleine Winch will enter the pages of one of her books this week at the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo.
Ms Winch, author, illustrator and artist, will be in Dubbo to sign copies of her recently republished book, Come By Chance on 6 March 2010.
Come By Chance tells the story of Bertha, who stumbles upon a dilapidated shack that she proceeds to repair and transform into a home. When a host of animals appear at her door she invites them in to wait out the winter months before the appearance of spring sees them on their way.
Western Plains Cultural Centre Manager, Andrew Glassop said the Children's Gallery at the Centre had been transformed into Bertha’s shack, complete with her visiting animals, which has been especially prepared for the exhibition by local artist Catherine Stein.
Ms Stein has created handcrafted stuffed toys, and each animal will appear throughout the course of the exhibition, just as they do in the book.
"The illustrations grow out from the wall to form a magical space for children and adults alike to let their imaginations, and the special beauty of the children’s picture book, run free," Mr Glassop said.
Ms Winch will be joined at the signing by Lyn and Tim Winters, the real life inspiration for the Book.
"At the time that Come By Chance was created, Madeleine, Tim and Lyn lived at Stuart town, near Wellington," Mr Glassop said.
"This will be a rare chance for people to have not only the author sign their books, but also meet the person the work was (loosely) based on," he said.
The original illustrations for Come By Chance are now part of the Dubbo Regional Gallery’s collection and are on display at the Children’s Gallery at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
The book signing for Come By Chance by Madeleine Winch will take place in the Children’s Gallery, Western Plains Cultural Centre, on Saturday 6 March at 11am.
For further information or interviews please contact Western Plains Cultural Centre, Manager Andrew Glassop on 6801 4430.
