Winnie-the-Pooh turns 100
Wednesday 14 October 2026 marks the centenary of the first publication of A.A. Milne’s beloved book Winnie-the-Pooh.
Published:
Archives and Special Collections at Surrey are lucky to have three collections related to E.H. Shepard, the illustrator who provided the ‘decorations’ for Winnie-the-Pooh. These include much of his personal archive donated in 1974, materials from his descendants via The Shepard Trust, and from HarperCollins Publishers, whose collection of hand-coloured illustrations they take care of on long-term loan.
To celebrate the centenary, the Archives and Special Collections team are planning several activities for our community.
Pooh Sticks
- When: Wednesday 14th October – from 3:30pm
- Where: Shepard’s Crossing bridge by the lake
Staff and students are invited to come and play ‘Pooh Sticks’ at Shepard’s Crossing. The bridge by the lake was named in honour of the man who created the wonderful illustrations which brought Pooh and his friends to life.
The Vice-Chancellor will lead the games at 3.30pm, and then all are welcome to play. Pooh sticks will be provided!
Archive Visit
Find out more about the origins of Winnie-the-Pooh and see some of E.H. Shepard’s original artwork and other treasures that the team care for by joining a visit to Archives and Special Collections. There are three start times available to sign up for:
- When: Wednesday 14 October – 9.30am, 10.30am and 11.30am
- Where: Archives and Special Collections Research Room, Ground Level Library
Honey Cake
To celebrate this milestone, Lakeside Café will be offering a special cake containing Pooh’s favourite ingredient – honey! This will use the University’s own Stag Hill Honey. It will be available for the whole of the week commencing Monday 12 October 2026.
Picture credit: EGM/2/47 ‘Pooh, Piglet and Christopher Robin playing Pooh Sticks’. From the HarperCollins Publishers Ltd Collection. © The Shepard Trust and HarperCollins Publishers, 1970.