A Pooh Archival Auction

Art Daily: LOS ANGELES, CA. Within the Fine Books & Manuscripts auction at Bonhams & Butterfields on October 19, 2009 is an archive of rare correspondence and black and white photographs related to the personal life of Winnie-the-Pooh author A. A. Milne, his wife, and his son Christopher Robin.

"The Milne family archive provides a rare look into the life of an author and his family. It is fascinating to see photographs of the child that inspired the Christopher Robin character used throughout Milne's books and poems. Bonhams & Butterfields is pleased to offer such a rare piece of children's literary history," said Dr. Catherine Williamson, Department Head, Fine Books and Manuscripts.

In the 1920s, American Alma Junghans struck up a friendship with the Milne family. According to the correspondence on offer in September, Junghans was among the small party that accompanied Christopher Robin to the London Zoo to meet the famed bear Winnie who, together with the child's own teddy bear, became the inspiration for the classic children's book character Winnie-the-Pooh.

Junghans was a faithful correspondent to the Milnes, remembering birthdays and holidays; as well as sending much needed supplies to the United Kingdom during and after World War II. As a family the Milnes took great pains to thank Junghans, writing gracious and chatty letters over the years.

Highlights from the Milne family archive include three charming letters written by Christopher Robin, the earliest at age nine, and six rare snapshots dating from 1928-1930 capturing images of the Milnes at home, including two rare pictures of Christopher Robin with his beloved Winnie-the-Pooh bear (est. $3,000-5,000).

Additional highlights for the September Fine Books & Manuscripts auction will be announced in late summer.