With less than a month left, don’t wait to visit Mischief and Mirth: The Wonderful World of Fairies this February
By: Julia Lawrence
(From In Fairyland: A Series of Pictures from the Elf-World, Richard Doyle)
Discover the origin of fairies and explore their magical history at Mischief and Mirth: The Wonderful World of Fairies until Feb. 26. The exhibit is held at the TD Gallery within the Toronto Reference Library, under the Toronto Public Library (TPL).
The gallery’s exhibit focuses on the myth and magic of fairies within rare books, prints, writing and original artwork from TPL's Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books, Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy and Arthur Conan Doyle Collection.
As it covers the sightings and portrayal of fairies in a detailed storyline from records dating back from the 13th century to the modern-day story, visitors learn the backstory of the multi-faceted creature and how it has been woven into our history.
A main theme throughout the exhibit is its efforts to not only show the “magical pixie dust” face of these characters but also how fairies have been portrayed to be tricksters with not-so-friendly intentions.
One of the gallery texts says this common, protagonistic depiction was largely due to, “an abundance of children’s stories with friendly winged fairies,” being published in the Victorian era.
“Stories from this period emphasized that fairies were good and friendly. At the same time, stories about fairies for adults were turning to darker folkloric roots. A clear division between small, winged fairies and those who were not began to arise,” TPL added.
Mischief and Mirth also share stories about the well-known Tooth Fairy, fairy godmothers, magical realms and fairies played on stage.
For an in-depth visual learning experience, discover more about the land of fairies at TPL’s Mischief and Mirth: The Wonderful World of Fairies this February.
Can’t visit in person? View select exhibit items through TPL’s virtual tour.
(Julia Lawrence/CanCulture Magazine)