An unpublished book about fantastical snails, written by a renowned war artist, is set to be displayed for the first time. This unique collection, titled Snails for All, was created in 1945 by Edward Bawden, a celebrated artist from Essex, as a gift for his two young children. Despite its creative and imaginative content, the book was never published and remained in private hands for many years.
Now, it has been generously donated to The Higgins museum in Bedford, where an exhibition showcasing artwork from the book will open on Saturday. Victoria Partridge, the museum curator, expressed her excitement about the donation, calling it “truly amazing when something you’ve never seen before is given to you.” She added that the book is now “really for all of us.”
Partridge, who also oversees fine and decorative art at the museum, noted that the donor chose to remain anonymous. Every page from the book, which tells the stories of seven mythical molluscs, will be on display. The Higgins museum, owned by Bedford Borough Council, is home to the Edward Bawden Gallery, which houses over 1,000 pieces donated by the artist in the 1980s.
The exhibition highlights Bawden’s unique sense of humour, including macabre elements such as monsters and animals with dramatic endings. To make the book more engaging for children, Partridge invited pupils from Putnoe Primary School in Bedford to participate in workshops led by local artist Philippa McDonald.
“They were the first to see the book, and now their inspired work is on display,” said Partridge. The book features seven mythical species of snail, each with a distinct name: Domesticks, Animacules, Lovelies, The Giant Tortoise, Big Ben & Little Ben, Aurochs, and Heartsease—whose shell is encrusted with precious stones.
Victoria Booth, senior leader in the arts at the school, described the experience as “delighted” and “proud” for the students. She explained that the bespoke sessions encouraged the pupils to follow their creative instincts, helping them build confidence and express themselves.
“We can’t wait to see the gallery,” she said. One student shared their excitement, saying, “It was very exciting, especially as our artwork will be there with Bawden’s book.” Another commented, “I’m excited and grateful to see my work in the same space as a professional artist. I guess that makes me a professional artist now.”
Edward Bawden (1903–1989) lived in Great Bardfield near Braintree and Saffron Walden. He was one of 30 artists appointed by the War Artists’ Advisory Committee during World War Two. The Bawden family has also granted permission for a copy of the book to be sold at the museum.
Snails for All will be on display from Saturday until 13 June 2027 at the Edward Bawden Gallery in the museum.
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For more information, visit:
The Higgins Bedford
Putnoe Primary School
