If your free this Sunday and in the Blue Mountains looking for something to do I recommend you head to Norman Lindsay’s Gallery. The former residence of Norman Lindsay, who in addition to his controversial paintings and sculptures also wrote books, one of those being the much-loved classic, The Magic Pudding.
So why am I writing about this? The Magic Pudding is turning 100 and there’s a fun event to celebrate as Sunday, October 14 is Puddin’ Day!
As a literary lover this is an exciting event – I have never met an Australian child who hasn’t read or heard of this amusing tale of Albert the cheeky ‘cut and come again’ Pudding, and his adventures with the Pudding Owners. Lindsay illustrated his story of mates off on adventures, with humorous drawings of native Australian animals.
Did you know that this story was written to settle a bet that children preferred food to fairies? It’s fair to say that Lindsay won the bet – The Magic Pudding has been in print since 1918. The book was first published one month after peace was declared in November 1918, the story of Pudding Owners defending their magic pudding from potential pudding thieves was a welcome bit of fun in what had been a bleak time for Australians.
Anyway, back to Puddin’ Day! This Sunday, October 14, visitors can celebrate Albert’s 100th birthday with a day of family fun and pudding madness!
Enjoy old fashioned games like sack races and egg and spoon races, prizes for the best costumes, bush ballads, craft, bush walks, colouring competition, sausage sizzle, and refreshments. Admission also includes viewing the special new exhibition in the gallery, A Puddin Rich and Rare.
Cutting of Albert’s birthday cake at lunchtime, will precede the launch of a new edition of the The Magic Pudding book. Helen Glad, Norman Lindsay’s granddaughter, will be at the launch and available to sign copies.
Visitors to the gallery can also view Lindsay’s painting and etching studios. Lindsay’s Cafe is always a good place to find a deliciously edible magic pudding as well, not to mention their normal seasonal menu is pretty good too!
For more information on Pudding Day contact the Norman Lindsay Gallery on 4751 1067 or visit www.normanlindsay.com.au.