Pages From 1830 Book ‘The Paignion’

‘The Paignion’, a book that is more like a toy theatre! Published in 1830, 'The Paignion' opened up to reveal 12 scenes from 19th century London. Sixty-five cardboard figures could be slotted into the different scenes, allowing children to tell their own stories. In addition to the zoo and the kitchen shown above, other scenes included a horse-drawn omnibus and a church. This edition has been hand painted and is one of only three known to have survived.

You can view more content from this item by visiting The British Library’s 'Discovering Children’s Books' website.