Celebrated author Julia Donaldson, renowned for her children’s books, including the beloved “Gruffalo,” recently shared a charming anecdote about the unconventional planning of her own wedding. The story highlights a touch of whimsy and resourcefulness that seems to echo in her creative work.
Donaldson, now 77, married her late husband, Malcolm, in Hampstead back in September 1972. Desiring a memorable procession, she initially envisioned a horse-drawn carriage leading the wedding party.
“I thought it would be nice to have a procession with the bride and groom in a horse-drawn carriage with the guests trailing behind,” she recounted.
However, initial inquiries proved costly. “Someone suggested a funeral director, so I phoned one but was told that it would cost £300.”
Undeterred, she explored alternative options. “I then hit on the idea of a rag-and-bone man. Somehow, I managed to track down the one whose horse and cart had been used in the sitcom Steptoe and Son.”
The negotiation was swift and successful. “‘I’ll do it,’ he said, ‘but it’ll cost you a fiver’. I booked him on the spot.” This quirky detail, a horse and cart previously featured in a popular British sitcom, became a memorable part of her special day.
Donaldson sees her wedding as an inspiration for her stories, particularly “The Scarecrow’s Wedding,” which has now been adapted into an animated special, “The Magic Light,” scheduled to premiere during the festive season. The animation tells the tale of two scarecrows, Harry O’Hay and Betty O’Barley, as they plan their own unforgettable wedding.
The author highlights the parallels between her own wedding and the scarecrows’ nuptials:
A Touch of Ingenuity: Just as she found an unconventional mode of transportation, Harry and Betty’s wedding features resourceful, homemade elements.
- Betty’s dress is crafted from goose feathers, meticulously woven by a spider friend.
- The wedding rings are fashioned from a farmhouse curtain.
- Cowbells serve as the wedding bells.
An Operatic Celebration: Instead of a formal sit-down meal, Donaldson’s wedding featured canapés and wine, with the highlight being a short operetta she had written herself.
Shared Romance: Donaldson also draws a connection to the characters’ romance, recalling how she and Malcolm once portrayed Harry and Betty on stage at the Edinburgh Fringe, which she described as “a bit like getting married all over again.”
The couple shared many years together, residing in Bearsden, Dunbartonshire, from 1989 to 2014 before moving to Steyning, East Sussex. Her husband, Malcolm, a consultant paediatrician and senior researcher in child health at Glasgow University, sadly passed away last year at the age of 75 after battling cancer.
Donaldson poignantly noted, “Sadly, Malcolm won’t be able to watch the Magic Light animation of The Scarecrows’ Wedding as he died last year, just before what would have been our 52nd anniversary.”
However, she finds comfort in sharing the animation with her family. “But I shall be watching it with six of our nine grandchildren, who I’m sure will be remembering their wonderful grandpa.”
“The Magic Light” animation of “The Scarecrows’ Wedding” is set to be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC One during the festive period, offering a heartwarming story of love, resourcefulness, and the enduring power of imagination.