One of the largest collections of Enid Byton books in the world is set for auction thanks to a lifelong collector whose passion gained royal attention.
Over the course of nearly 50 years Julia Sesemann amassed thousands of books written by the famous children’s author including valuable first editions of every book she ever wrote.
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Julia’s reputation as a collector of Enid Blyton books even reached Buckingham Palace. Consequently, she supplied books for Prince Harry and Prince William to enjoy when they were young.
Now the ‘phenomenal’ collection, which also includes books by other children’s author and memorabilia, is set for auction on May 10 and, according to Hansons Auctioneers, could fetch in the region of £30,000.
Julia, who died recently at the age of 86, had a lifelong love of children’s books, and in particular Enid Blyton. This was partly inspired by an important connection. Both Julia and the author called Beckenham, in the London borough of Bromley, home. Enid Blyton moved to Beckenham at three months old.
A member of the Sesemann family said: “Living in Beckenham for most of her life, Julia had a strong affinity with Enid Blyton and shared her vivid imagination.
“Julia started collecting books in the 1970s, and it soon became her lifetime passion. She amassed one of the largest Enid Blyton collections in the world, achieving her aim of having a first edition, with dust wrapper, of every book Enid Blyton ever wrote.
“As her collection grew, she not only became a collector but also a reputable dealer, producing a number of catalogues of her books to sell to other collectors. These catalogues became eagerly anticipated, and the phone never stopped ringing with orders the moment the catalogues landed on doormats across the country.
“Julia passed on her love of books to her three children and six grandchildren, and as various memorabilia and marketing paraphernalia took over parts of her house, her dining room became known as ‘the Noddy Room’.
Jim Spencer, Head of Books at Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors of children’s books to acquire a real rarity at auction.
“This phenomenal array of books was amassed by a discerning and passionate collector over a period of almost half a century. Such is its importance the collection is being presented in a single-owner sale. All of it is fresh to market, which is what any collector loves to hear.
“Not only do we have Enid Blyton’s earliest published works, going way back to 1919, but we have signed books, autograph letters, first editions in dust-jackets, toys, games, ephemera – anything and everything relating to the author.
“On top of that, the collection includes some wonderful first editions by other popular children’s authors and illustrators, including Beatrix Potter, Arthur Rackham, Louis Wain, Edward Ardizzone, Maurice Sendak, and quite a few earlier Victorian pop-up and moveable books, some of which include dissolving pictures and amazingly well-preserved moving parts. It’s an honour to handle this collection.”
Enid Mary Blyton (1897- 1968) wrote more than 600 children’s books, many of which have been worldwide bestsellers since the 1930s. More than 600 million copies have been sold and her work has been translated into 90 languages.
She is best remembered for her Noddy, Famous Five, Secret Seven, the Five Find-Outers, and Malory Towers books, though she wrote many others including the St Clare’s, The Naughtiest Girl and The Faraway Tree series.
Auction Details | Enquiries
The Julia Sesemann Collection of Enid Blyton, Children’s and Illustrated Books will be offered in 346 lots on May 10 by Hansons Auctioneers. Catalogue: www.hansonslive.co.uk and www.the-saleroom.com.
To find out more, email Jim Spencer, Head of Books and Works on Paper: [email protected].
