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New Exhibition: ‘I Planted a Seed’: Childhood, nature and creativity

By Sarah S Pipkin, on 14 May 2024

UCL Library Service’s annual exhibition for 2024, “‘I Planted a Seed’: Childhood, nature, and creativity”, has recently opened in the Main Library!  

“I Planted a Seed: Childhood, nature, and creativity. April – December 2024. A free public exhibition exploring nature as a recurring theme in children’s creativity. On display in the UCL Main Library Stairwell & 1st floor. To learn more search “UCL Library Exhibitions”.

This exhibition explores how children’s imaginations are inspired by nature in their storytelling, exploration and creative world. The exhibition starts with the classroom and how nature supports creative learning in children. It then moves on to examine children’s own creative output and how nature is reflected in music, dance, play and textiles.  

On display are items from the IOE Archives and the Folklore Society collection, as well as material from outside of Special Collections including the IOE Rare Books collection and the IOE Curriculum Resources collection.  

A sheep made of raw wool, leather, and sequins. Made by students at the Eynsham County Primary School, most likely from the 1970s.

A collage sheep, one of the items on display in the 2024 exhibition

‘I Planted a Seed’ is located in the Main Library Stairwell and 1st floor. It is free and open to the public. External visitors can book a ticket on the exhibition webpage. You can also access the exhibition catalogue and digitized collection items online.