One cold January morning, our team of in-house artists began working on a secret project. After some research, and lots of collecting, the idea for ‘The Book Burrow’ was formed. Based on an idea Rosamund had dreamt up in the early days of Mainstreet, we set out to convert two dusty cobwebbed cupboards under the stairs into listening dens, for children to experience the joy of audio books.

Phillippa’s First Sketches of the Burrow interiors

Mid-painting and finishing The Borrowers’ house

Of course we began with our usual penchant for adding a literary twist to everything we do. The first ‘Burrow’, Beatrix Potter inspired, would become Mrs Rabbit’s kitchen, under Mr McGregor’s Garden. The second, Roald Dahl inspired, would be the home of Mr and Mrs Fox, beneath the watchful eyes of Boggis, Bunce and Bean. And, simply because one can’t create an underground den without including the original inhabitants of ‘under the floor’, we decided to build The Borrowers’ house into the floorboards. And so, Phillippa began painting tunnels, carrots, and flagons of cider, while Shaun and Vivian started to make all manner of ‘Borrowed’ miniature home furnishings.

 We launched The Book Burrows as part of our 5th Birthday Party, and we all dressed up as our favourite children’s book characters! Lots of fun ensued, with face painting, balloons and cupcakes a-plenty! We even had a very special visit from the ever wonderful Maggie O’Farrell and her lovely family, who all dressed up as Alice in Wonderland characters!

The party in full swing

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III,  Eeyore, Where’s Wally, Mr Fox and Hermione Granger