Exhibit of Misplaced Parasols
In the realm of children's literature, award-winning author and illustrator Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick has once again captivated young readers with her latest creation, "The Museum of Lost Umbrellas." This magical adventure, suitable for nine to twelve-year-olds, marks the beginning of The Cloud Witch Chronicles.
The idea for this enchanting tale was conceived in 2020, during a dream. However, the seeds of inspiration were planted much earlier. Marie-Louise's memories of a sign for the Umbrella Cover Museum, a storm with broken umbrellas on the quays of a city, and a witch-themed restaurant in Kilkenny seem to have played a significant role.
One particularly striking memory, number two, was an image of broken umbrellas covering the quays, found in bins, gutters, and under benches after a storm. The sight of these forlorn umbrellas, resembling dying creatures, sparked a creative spark in Marie-Louise, contributing to the concept of a magical museum on an isolated island.
Another influential memory, number one, was a sign for the Umbrella Cover Museum, which was closed for the season. This intriguing image may have sparked Marie-Louise's imagination, setting the stage for a story that blends the ordinary with the extraordinary.
Marie-Louise's fascination with Kilkenny's rich history extends to its connection with Dame Alice Kyteler, a real-life witch who once owned Kyteler's Inn. This historical figure has since become a recurring character in Marie-Louise's work, featuring as the ancestor of her book's heroine, Dilly Kyteler.
The Museum of Lost Umbrellas, Marie-Louise's most recent book, transports readers to a world where houses grant wishes and parrots turn into people. This rich imaginative backdrop, inspired by her storytelling interests in fantasy, promises a captivating journey for all who enter its pages.
While the specific details of how these memories and experiences influenced the creation of "The Museum of Lost Umbrellas" may not be publicly known, it is clear that Marie-Louise's unique imagination and storytelling prowess have once again brought a magical world to life.
In Marie-Louise's spare time, she enjoys exploring various aspects of lifestyle, including fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden. For instance, the intriguing image of the closed Umbrella Cover Museum might have led her to seek similar establishments, inspiring a new appreciation for unique Collection-based venues. Furthermore, the vivid memory of broken umbrellas covering the quays could be an inspiration for her to incorporate sustainable fashion in her fashion-and-beauty choices, creatively repurposing abandoned items into stylish accessories.
