Illustrator’s works on show at hall famed for literary links

The engravings, created by John Lawrence using techniques dating back to the 18th century, have been used to illustrate some of the best-known works of children’s fiction ever created, including, Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stephenson, Colonel Jack by Daniel Defoe, and Once Upon a Time in the North and Lyra’s Oxford by Phillip Pullman.

Mr Lawrence has been using wood engraving techniques to illustrate works since the 1960s and the drawings he created for a special edition of Tristram Shandy have special importance in the exhibition.

Grade I listed Shandy Hall, which was built in the 15th century in Coxwold, near York, was given its name after being occupied by Tristram Shandy’s author Laurence Sterne in 1760, when he came to live in the village.

Mr Sterne lived in the house until his death in 1768 and he wrote the subsequent seven volumes of Tristram Shandy and A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy in a room which contains the principal element of the museum’s collection.

The exhibition is open from July 10 until August 14. All works are for sale.