New Collection of Doris Burn Artwork and Manuscripts Donated to Western

Western Libraries at Western Washington University has received a new collection of materials from noted children’s author and illustrator Doris Burn.

A long-time resident of the San Juan Islands, Doris (Wernstedt) Burn authored and illustrated the 1965 classic “Andrew Henry’s Meadow,” which won the Washington Governor’s Art Award. Burn also wrote “The Summerfolk” and “The Tale of Lazy Lizard Canyon,” and served as illustrator for a range of children’s works that are included in and documented through this donation.

The collection is a gift from the Burn family to Western Washington University via the Doris Burn Legacy LLC, and contains first-edition copies of children’s works written or illustrated by Burn, manuscripts and original artwork prepared for titles including “Andrew Henry’s Meadow,” and a number of unpublished and hitherto unseen manuscripts and drawings.

“This donation allows us to preserve the work and legacy of a noted children’s author and illustrator,” said Ruth Steele of Western Libraries Heritage Resources. “These materials are an important addition to the unique and rare collections held by Western Libraries.”

These materials help document the cultural and artistic history of the Pacific Northwest region and were created by an artist and writer who sought specifically to engage with the needs, interests, and creativity of a younger audience. Burn’s work continues to speak to readers of all ages, and since her death in 2011, “Andrew Henry’s Meadow” has been reissued by Penguin’s Philomel Books.

The title has also been published and is presently available in translation in Korea, China and Japan.

The collection of materials from the Burn family will be preserved and made available for research and use through Western Libraries Heritage Resources, in association with the Children’s Literature Interdisciplinary Collection, and is a valuable addition to the Libraries’ holdings.

The Libraries promotes active use of these holdings by faculty, staff and students and also welcomes community members who may be interested in exploring these and other collections.

For more information about Western Libraries Heritage Resources, contact Ruth Steele at Ruth.Steele@wwu.edu or at (360) 650-7747.