New exhibition about Winnie the Bear to open in summer 2016 at ...

New exhibition about Winnie the Bear to open in summer 2016 at Assiniboine Park

For immediate release: Winnipeg, October 26, 2015 – Today, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) announced that the exhibition Remembering the Real Winnie: The World’s Most Famous Bear Turns 100 will open at the Pavilion Gallery Museum in early summer of 2016. Developed by Ryerson University’s Research Image Centre and Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre, Remembering the Real Winnie celebrates the story of Canadian soldier and veterinarian Harry Colebourn. “It has been over a century since Harry Colebourn, a Winnipeg veterinarian and soldier, made a small but historic decision to buy a black bear cub and unknowingly changed the course of children’s literature forever,” said Trevor Clearwater, Director of Visitor Services at Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “We are honoured to share untold parts of this story with Winnipeggers and visitors alike through this historical exhibition.” The exhibition is the result of a multi-disciplinary approach taken by Ryerson University students, alumni, and faculty from across faculties. “Many talented people from different backgrounds across the university were involved in bringing this incredible project to life in a way that allows people to connect with this history on multiple levels, “said Doina Popescu, Founding Director of the Ryerson Image Centre and distinguished Visiting Fellow. “We are thrilled that the people of Winnipeg – to whom this story is so meaningful – will now have the opportunity to explore a new chapter in this well-loved story.” Today also marks the official launch of Finding Winnie – a children’s picture book that will introduce new generations to this remarkable piece of Canadian history. Written by Lindsay Mattick, great-granddaughter of Harry Colebourn and illustrated by renowned illustrator Sophie Blackall, Finding Winnie explores Harry Colebourn and Winnie’s story for younger audiences and includes photographs and ephemera from the Colebourn family archives, many of which are also featured in the exhibition.

About the exhibition At the onset of World War 1, Colebourn bought the bear cub that later became the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s world famous Winnie-the-Pooh books. The exhibition is centered on the Colebourn family archive and features photographs, Captain Colebourn’s wartime diaries and veterinary tools. It explores the themes of veterinary practice during World War I; military life at camp and at the front; as well as the genesis and popular legacy of Winnie-the-Pooh. The

exhibition also features a digital archive and interactive exhibition experience: www.therealwinnie.ryerson.ca

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For interviews and information requests, please contact: Laura Curtis, APC Manager, Marketing & Communications Office: 204-927-6057 Cell: 204-793-4316 [email protected]