The Path to Bluebell Wood exhibition
The personal journey of Ivy Wallace, creator of Pookie the Flying Rabbit & The Animal Shelf
Ivy Lillian Wallace was born in Grimsby in 1915, the daughter of a Scottish Doctor. Her love of nature was formed in early childhood when she accompanied her father on outings in to the countryside, bluebell woods and flower filled meadows. Her parents recognised her lively imagination and talent as an artist at a very early age.
She went on to attend Harrogate Ladies College, followed by a time as a successful actress. During the war she joined the British film industry making Ministry of Information films. Whilst working for the Police on their switchboard at the same time, she happened to doodle a picture of a fairy sitting on a toadstool, with a little rabbit in front.
By chance it appeared that the fairy’s wings belonged to the rabbit. Ivy thought that fairies were “two a penny” so erased the fairy and kept the little winged rabbit.
She named him Pookie because “he had a little pookie face” and this is where the story of Pookie begins.
Ivy was a well-loved resident of Biggar for over 50 years. Her life story and illustrations will be on display at this exhibition.
