Every museum has a collection. It’s what makes them who they are; the unique items which have been collected over many years.

Our Seven Stories Collection has work from over 250 authors and illustrators, and it tells the story behind how children’s books have been created from 1930 to now. The first collection kindly donated to Seven Stories was Judy Brook’s extensive work, including papier mache artefacts of her beloved characters! 

We have books which are one of a kind, books which are over 100 years old and books so old no one’s allowed to touch them with their hands. We have books made from strange bits and bobs, tiny books and huge books. We have picture books, recipe books and everything that goes into making a book from start to finish. And they all have one thing in common: they were made for children. 

The Collection in Numbers  

• Over 250 authors and illustrators  
• Book collection of over 36,000 texts  
• 1000 metres of shelving = about 10 football pitches long! 
• Material is stored in over 2500 boxes 
• The oldest item is almost 250 years old!