Alice – Victoria!
C. M. Rubin explores the Victorian Extravaganza in Llandudno, Wales, and the fascinating history... Read More
ALICE — In Wales?
C. M. Rubin discusses the origin of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its connection with Llandudno, Wales, summer home of Alice Liddell.
The Sisters (1864) by Sir William Blake Richmond can be seen at the Alice In Wonderland exhibit at Tate Liverpool (Photo courtesy of Tate Images)
What does the Queen of Welsh resorts, the town of Llandudno in Wales (3 hours on a direct train from the city of London), have to do with Alice in Wonderland?
In the summer of 1864, Alice Liddell (Lewis Carroll’s inspiration for Alice in Wonderland) and her two sisters, Lorina (who inspired the Lory) and Edith (who inspired the Eaglet), posed for up to ten hours a day while the distinguished English artist, Sir William Blake Richmond, created one of his most famous paintings, called The Sisters. The painting of the three Liddell sisters set against the background of the Great Orme, Llandudno’s famous mountain, is one of the highlights of the Tate Liverpool’s Alice in Wonderland exhibition. Sir William Blake Richmond painted the portraits of the most prominent people of the day. The Sisters, well received by the art critics of the day, was regarded by Richmond as a milestone in his career. Sir William had this to say about Alice Liddell:
“Little Alice, to whose pretty face and lovely coloring no reproduction can do justice, is seen on the right in profile, peering at the big volume on her sister’s lap.”
The group scene with the Hatter, Alice, King of Hearts, Tweedles and Caterpillar (Photo courtesy of Alice In Wonderland Ltd.)
When my daughter and I were creating our book, The Real Alice in Wonderland, about our relative Alice Liddell, we spent time researching Llandudno’s long connection to Alice Liddell and her family. Alice’s father, Henry Liddell (who inspired the White Rabbit), his wife Lorina, and the governess Miss Pricks (who inspired the Queen of Hearts) came to Llandudno for family vacations. It was here that the Liddell family built their large, gothic styled vacation home, which they called Penmorfa. Many famous celebrities of the day, including Prime Minister William Gladstone, came to visit them. As the Alice in Wonderland books became more famous, Alice Liddell also became a celebrity. Tourists wanted to enjoy beautiful Llandudno, perfectly situated on the western shores of Wales, and learn more about the story behind one of the greatest children’s stories of all time. In time, the town offered related tourist attractions, including an Alice trail, a Wonderland store and a Rabbit Hole attraction conceived by residents Muriel and Murray Ratcliffe that recreated Alice book scenes with life-size robotic characters. Eventually, Penmorfa was converted into a grand hotel. Around the turn of the 21st century, some attractions began to disappear for a number of reasons, including insufficient traffic to support the upkeep of some of the historical sights that celebrated Llandudno’s important connection to the Alice in Wonderland story.
All that is about to change just in time for two important anniversaries related to the Alice books: July 4, 2012, the 150th anniversary of the first telling of the story to Alice Liddell, and November 26, 2015, the 150th anniversary of the first publication of the book.
The Directors of Alice In Wonderland Ltd., Barry Mortlock and Simon Burrows, have purchased the Rabbit Hole content from Llandudno resident Muriel Ratcliffe, the owner of 20 years. They have launched a new Wonderland website to offer the finest Alice in Wonderland collectibles from around the world, http://www.wonderland.co.uk, and to act as portal to communicate new Alice initiatives underway in Llandudno. The team is working closely with the local County Council to bring an updated Alice trail to Llandudno. It will be a walking trail with 10-12 key places of interest that will depict the connection of Alice to the town. The new age trail will feature high tech interactive activities and will be open to the public in fiscal 2013/2014. Llandudno’s existing railway station is also undergoing a major redevelopment. It will become the start of the trail. Mortlock and Burrows’ coffee shop, currently housed within the town’s large Waterstone’s book store, is also being revamped “Alice style”, which no one will be able to miss since it will be the final watering hole at the end of the Wonderland trail. Muriel Ratcliffe will stay involved in their plans to bring the strong Alice connection back to the town of LLandudno. Ratcliffe explains, “I get phone calls and emails to this day asking if the attraction is still open.”
The Queen of Hearts (Photo courtesy of Alice In Wonderland Ltd.)
I had the opportunity to chat with Barry and Simon about their “Alice of Llandudno” project:
Why do you believe what you are doing is so important to Llandudno, Wales, and to the rest of the “Alice” loving world?
Llandudno is a beautiful Victorian seaside resort that is full of character and has charmed visitors, young and old, for many years. It is a lovely part of the world with the stunning Snowdonia National Park and World Heritage sites nearly. It also plays an important role in telling the story of the young Alice Liddell who was the inspiration behind the books. Alice’s parents honeymooned in Llandudno and stayed in one of the beautiful hotels whilst their holiday home (Penmorfa) was being built. The family spent many summers in Llandudno and they must have shared some stunning sunsets since the house had magnificent views. Alice Liddell is important to Wales. She is a Llandudno celebrity, having graced our shores with her presence. Her story needs to be told to the world and remembered. The charm of the book, Alice’s personal story, and the charm of the resort go hand in hand.
The White Rabbit (Photo courtesy of Alice In Wonderland Ltd.)
Why do you think Alice in Wonderland continues to be so inspiring to generation after generation?
We think the fact that the story of Alice in Wonderland has a fascinating story behind it makes it all the more inspiring. We are intrigued by the story behind the book and have a genuine interest in the lives of the real people involved. In our daily crazy worlds, we occasionally need some escapism from reality. Alice in Wonderland is a story that takes us into a different dimension; it stimulates, feeds and drives the imagination. There are no boundaries, no religion, and no discrimination; we are free to let our imaginations run wild; anything impossible can become possible. As a child, we know no boundaries; with a vivid imagination, all things seem possible. It is the boundaries and walls we put in place that make things impossible! Break down the boundaries, tear down the walls, feed your imagination, and you get Alice in Wonderland……………..!
Simon Burrows, C. M. Rubin and Barry Mortlock
C. M. Rubin is the author of two widely read online series for which she received a 2011 Upton Sinclair award, “The Global Search for Education” and “How Will We Read?”. She is also the author of three bestselling books, including “The Real Alice in Wonderland.”
Follow C. M. Rubin on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@cmrubinworld
Monday
January 16th, 2012
Filed Under
Alice In Wonderland Alice Liddell Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland C. M. Rubin Gabriella Rubin Harry Rubin Lewis Carroll Sir William Blake Richmond The Real Alice in Wonderland book
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Comments
I lived near Llandudno and even though I considered myself well-steeped in Welsh legends (King Arthur, for a start!) I never knew about the Alice in Wonderland connection. For the record, it is absolutely lovely there, so I can definitely see why Carroll would have been inspired by it.
Lovely, but not at all “perfectly situated on the western shores of Wales”. Llandudno is perfectly situated on the north coast.
But what’s a few miles among adventurous travelers? A beautiful place it is. Worthy of a renaissance of the Alice trail.
I think that Alice Liddell was an inspirational and heroic character whose contribution to England has never been sufficiently recognized. Rebuilding the Alice attractions in Llandudno is a step in the right direction. She will always be deeply associated with one of the greatest stories ever told.
Alice Liddell was one of my idols growing up. She came to New York when I was 2 years old, but I studied her life when I was a student at Barnard College, part of Columbia University where she received an honorary doctorate in 1932.
That’s amazing that you remember her being honored by Columbia University. It was indeed one of the events she valued most in her life.
I studied at Oxford, where the Ruskin Art Institute is today…where Alice studied art in the 19th century, showing outstanding promise. She does not get enough credit not only for inspiring Dodgson to write the great book, but for pushing him to complete it. There is no question he would not have written this classic of classics without her help. She was his partner and has not received nearly enough credit for her vital role.
Its about time somebody did something with the alice connection in llandudno, well done
I have lived in Llandudno my whole life and I think its fantastic that someone is using the strong connection between Alice in Wonderland and Llandudno to create more buisness for the area
Can you suggest a great bed and breakfast in Llandudno for the 4th 5th and 6th May? Would appreciate. Thanks
I’ll be there! curioser and curiouser….
http://www.dominicmurphyart.com
Looking forward to Alice day in Llandudno what a great idea for people young and old
Looking forward to hearing more about the day’s events!
This is such a great initiative, celebrating a classic work of fiction and bringing recognition to this part of Wales! Alice was – and is – a favourite of mine. Her adventures have brought joy – and often that delicious frisson of fear – across generations. This is definitely on my “visit often” list!
Great to see Llandudno celebrating Alice!
Looking forward to showing the children the Alice Connection with Llandudno as we live in the area, as they are only aware of Johnny Depps version of Alice.
Llandudno is a beautiful part of the world – the Alice connections are so alive here and Barry, Simon and Eileen are doing some wonderful work.
Really looking forward to the Tea Party on 4th May
If you’ve not been to Llandudno then you are missing out on so much – the Victorian legacy, the beautiful scenery, the welsh culture – and Alice – the sculptures, art work, street places….every Alice fan should visit
I am Llandudno’s Alice in Wonderland – come to my jam tart eating party on 4th May and see how wonderful Llandudno is.
Find me at http://www.thehilaryguesthouse-llandudno.co.uk/item/llandudno_and_alice_in_wonderland.html
Sounds wonderful!
Whether you are a traditional Alice fan or a modern Johnny Deppe style fan – Llandudno is a must to visit for the Alice connection
For Alice fans go to Happy Valley in Llandudno and see the Alice statues and the mosaics – brilliant
A wonderful opportunity for Llandudno. Alice in Wonderland is recognised all over the world. One of the best children’s stories ever writen. It has stood the test of time and is as popular now as it ever was, with readers of all ages.
Really looking forward to The Alice Trail being opened in Llandudno….Struggle for activities for my 3 children so this would be ideal for a summers day
have you seen the White Rabbit statue at Llandudno’s West Shore- you should it’s brilliant – really looking forward to the Alice tea Party
Hurray! What a superb opportunity to re-ignite the Alice story and to promote the heritage of Llandudno. This jewel in the crown of the North Wales coast is the place to watch. The current Alice in Wonderland initiatives and more to come can only be good for the local economy and additionally be a delight to all who visit. Johnny Depp you are welcome to come.
‘Alice In Wonder Llandudno’! What a great combination of location, history, culture and fun.
I thinkn its a wonderful idea and great for the town of Llandudno- children need as much imagination as possible in todays electronic world!
The Alice in Wonderland Trail is a very exciting project which will be a ‘must do’ activity for Llandudno visitors of all ages.
A great opportunity for Llandudno to recreate its links with Alice in Wonderland .The proposed Alice Trail and Alice Tea Party will be another great reason to visit this wonderful town.
This is an outstanding initiative that will have a huge impact on the town of Llandudno and attract visitors from all over the world.
What an amazing story, fabulous – we love Alice!
Llandudno is a wonderful place to visit and indeed to work. The Alice in Wonderland connection adds to the history of this Victorian town. We look forward to celebrating Alice Day on 4 May and welcoming the Alice themed trail soon.
How wonderful that Alice will be having such an impact on Llandudno! What a fantastic opportunity for Llandudno and North Wales. Really looking forward to Alice day on the 4th May!
A fantastic opportunity for Llandudno to show off the hidden gem of Alice and promote the town all at the same time.
Fantastic to see someone promoting Alice and Llandudno. The sory enthralled countless children and now will enthrall countless adults too. Great for the legacy of Alice and great for Llandudno!
I am so pleased that Alice in Wonderland’s connections with our beautiful town are being kept alive, over the years I noticed a decline with the closure of the Rabbit Hole and the demolition of Pen Morfa , but with Barry and his wonderful team’s ideas and plans for the future as well as Conwy Council’s support, I think our link with Alice will grow and become more popular, bringing more visitors to Llandudno and have something my children, and eventually their children will have to look forward too.
The Alice connection should be a huge boost for Llandudno. It’s a great idea!
The demolition of Pen Morfa was a tragic waste of a evocative and historic monument to the Liddell legacy. Still, I’m pleased that the connection with this part of Wales is being revitalised thanks to Barry, his team, Llandudno Council and the Welsh tourist board. It’s also potentially a very interesting media and art experience for Wales which offers inspiration to creative minded people as well as generating tourism.
It’s fantastic to see the link between Llandudno and the Alice story being revived, and what a boost for the local area!
What a great idea to take the area that was the original inspiration for the Alice stories & bring it back to life. Sounds just like another Alice adventure story.
Best of Luck & looking forward to seeing it
I am so excited by the opportunities this project will bring to the local economy of Llandudno. Well done and thankyou!
In a time where there is a lot of doom and gloom, its great to see that their are entrepreneurs working away in the background, trying to help not just individuals but, a whole town and their country.Llandudno can only prosper from this wonderful initiative.
Hopefully it will give Llandudno tourist industry a boost and bring in more people to the town
didnt realise that Llandudno has a connection to Alice in Wonderland. It makes sense now seeing there wooden status in happy valley Llandudno. Glad to hear that there is a new trail coming to town.
I visited Llandudno for the first time last month and was completely blown away. After seeing the immense amount of beauty offered by just one place suddenly the bizarre and rich imagination of Lewis Carroll started to make sense. I am very exited to be involved in some of the design work for Alice Day and the Coffee shop and hope to do my bit to spread the word of the link between story and place, fact and fiction.
This sounds very exciting and I look forward to participating too. CMR
Heard so much about this and cant wait for alice day in llandudno me and the boys will be celebrating.
Having just returned from Alice Day I can tell you it was a fantastic event – I plan to go back in 2013!
Ooo this sounds very intriguing, I never knew the connection between Alice and Llandudno, great to see there will be a new trail, adding to llandudno’s ever growing tourist attractions!!
What a great idea. the connection of the town to alice in wonderland isnt very well known and its a shame not to make the most of such an interesting link.
The story of Alice in Wonderland is a well known, inspirational and outstanding tale that is known and loved by all ages. The imagination and creativeness of this classic tale is what makes it so popular and the idea of Alice day is a contribution towards passing down the tale to today’s generation and continuing this fantastic story so that it will live on forever.
sounds amazing to me!!! i cant wait for the 4th of may.
Great article about a wonderful piece of History.
Alice is well known around the globe and has a rich heritage and something of this magnitude can only be good for llandudno’s economy.
what a good idea,sounds brilliant! keeping llandudno ,its history and culture alive……….. bring on the 4th of may1
A great thing to be bringing to Llandudno and I look forward to walking the trail with me two little girls who love the story.
A fantastic idea and an interesting article! I wish you all the best for the 4th May. It would be great for Llandudno to revive the Alice story.
Bringing this to llandudno is a fantastic idea, the story itself and the connection to llandudno is something for any generation and will bring in a brilliant atmosphere. I can’t wait for the 4th of may, it will be amazing.
everything I’ve heard about this event seems too good to be true as the beautiful story will be brought alive! so excited to see llandudno and discover the real connection with the story. its sounds magical. roll on may 4th!
Sounds brilliant hope i can get involved, going to be an amazing day!
Wow, you had me at, ‘high tech interactive activities’.
Excellent idea, I’ve always thought the story was magical. The event seems like a perfect way to bring it to life. Can’t wait to be a part of it.
Go global & put LLandudno & Alice in Globaland
Great. It will put Alice, Llandudno & Wales in Globoland
Me and my friends are part of a music group called The Attic People, a friend of ours who is involved the co-ordination of an ‘Alice Day’ in Llandudno later this year has asked us to be a part of this day and to perform for the public.
The revival of an Alice trail in Llandudno will bring with it many things, without first mentioning them it can be said that this project is something of an investment, that will not only benefit the current generation but encourage the continuation of work surrounding ‘Alice’ because it is a much loved story… the writers as well as the book itself. I do not have include the vast amount of job opportunities this venture will endorse but instead I would like to comment on the notion of this idea, the jobs that will be created from this project will in large be creative, which in itself is a celebration of the writers legacy, it will bring people from all areas together to create something quite magical for others to enjoy.
On a more personal note, my sister has recently moved to Llandudno with her family, I am excited to know my my sister, her husband, my niece and nephews will be able to enjoy the outcome of this project, and be encouraged and inspired to be creative. Our band can’t wait to come and play the Alice day of the 4th of May!!
How wonderful that there is going to be an exciting tourist attraction with your wonderful project – Alice in Wonderland. It will be great for Llandudno and North Wales. I think it’s a fantastic venture. Good Luck. I’ll be following the developments. xx
Exciting time for Llandudno! Looking forward to the 4th May! Will be documenting the event photographically for the organisers! Can wait to see al the new instillations!
Alice in wonderland was one of my favourite books when i was a little girl, i think this is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for Llandudno. I think the link with Llandudno should be celebrated and recognised. Best of luck
i can’t wait to visit llandudno, not a bad thing said about the place!
i will be doing live drawing on the day so come and check it out please.
to view some works visit my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/chrislivingsillustration and also on talenthouse.
All very exciting. So looking forward to visiting Llandudno and following all the Alice developments.
“Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop. ” – Lewis Carroll
Where is the end, when a location is so enriched with history and has as many hidden gems as Llandudno? Alice in Llandudno has the potential to go on forever!
Please read my latest article on Llandudno: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/alice-victoria_b_1549514.html
This is a real boost for Llandudno and the surrounding area. Let’s hope more people will now discover this beautiful corner of north Wales!
Does anyone know if the Richmond painting is on exhibit in Llandudno at present?
It will be great for Llandudno and North Wales. I think it’s a fantastic venture.
Check out Alice May 4 2012 article on the event itself. That sounds like a great day for students and teachers.
A Victorian Extravaganza: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/alice-victoria_b_1549514.html