Exhibition opening: Books, Tales & Tiny Worlds

Artists Petra Poolen, Marjon Merckelbach-Hovens and Caroline Jansen drew inspiration from richly illustrated books held in the University Library’s Special Collections.

The works include contemporary interpretations of:

• The Nightingale, from Stories from Hans Andersen
• The Princess and the Pea, from Stories from Hans Andersen
• The Magic Horse, from de Dutch version of One Thousand and One Nights

Using techniques including embroidery, papermaking, textile printing, icon painting and miniature craftsmanship, the artists explore the continuing relevance of these stories. Their works address themes such as friendship, vulnerability, authenticity, power, human ambition and the responsible use of technology.

A central artwork is crowned by a 3D-printed crown developed in collaboration with the University Library’s Digital Labs. This meeting of traditional craftsmanship and digital fabrication demonstrates how heritage and technology can work together to enable new forms of creativity.

Festive opening

Join us for the festive opening of the exhibition. The programme includes:

• A word of welcome
• An introduction to the University Library’s fairy-tale collections
• Presentations by the participating artists
• An opportunity to view the exhibition and meet its makers

Admission is free. Registration is required.

Places are limited, so register now to secure your spot for this exclusive first look at the exhibition.

Follow us on social media for a first look behind the scenes and the programme accompanying the exhibition.
Instagram | Facebook 

Participating artists

Petra Poolen
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale, Poolen created a miniature world reflecting on power, vulnerability and selfless friendship. Her work combines handmade paper, printing, embroidery, textiles, wood and paper traditions from different cultures.

Marjon Merckelbach-Hovens
Merckelbach-Hovens responds to Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea. Beneath its familiar surface, the story raises questions about authenticity, identity, appearances and the ways in which people judge one another.

Caroline Jansen
Gold embroiderer Caroline Jansen reimagines The Magic Horse, a story from One Thousand and One Nights. Her work reflects on extraordinary inventions and the responsibility humans carry for how they use the technologies they create.