Remembering the real Winnie the Pooh

If you’re in Toronto before Dec. 7, don’t miss this.

An exhibit at the Ryerson Image Centre tells the story of Canadian soldier and veterinarian Harry Colebourn (1887–1947), who, at the onset of World War I, purchased a pet bear he named Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg. When his regiment shipped out, Harry took Winnie with him, depositing the bear in the London Zoo when he was called to the front. It is then that A.A. Milne and his son encountered the bear and the world-famous Winnie the Pooh books were born. Winnie turned 100 this year. (Image: CBC Canada/ Twitter. See the CBC’s Winnie anniversary story here.)

This interdisciplinary project focuses on a unique chapter of Canadian history from the Colebourn Family Archive, which comprises photographs and ephemera such as diaries, letters, newspaper clippings and a full veterinary kit from the period, will be shared with the public for the very first time. (Image: : @MLucieA )

Image Centre information and directions, here.