PIXIE O’Harris, who died in 1991, was one of the most loved authors and illustrators of fantasy in Australia in the early part of the twentieth century.

O’Harris illustrated more than 40 fairy books, which sold hundreds of thousands of copies. Her woodland and sea creatures and her fairies captivated and stirred the imaginations of generations of children, especially those she created as murals on the walls of children’s hospitals.

Every year she is remembered through the Pixie O’Harris Award given by the Australian Publishers Association in recognition of her distinguished and dedicated service to the development and reputation of children’s books.

The Lu Rees Archives in Canberra holds a large collection of her books as well as the original illustrations for Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows”, published by Rigby Publishers in 1985. These illustrations were gifted to the Archives by the O’Harris family, who gave the Archives the associated copyright.

A celebration tomorrow will feature a selection of her books and illustrations from “The Wind in the Willows” as well as paintings in private hands.

“Pixie O’Harris her Art & Legacy,” at ALIA House, 9-11 Napier Close Deakin, 5-6.30pm, Wednesday, September 17, Cost is $20 – includes refreshments – payment at the door. RSVP essential to trishmilne@gmail.com