A rare watercolour painting of a “wise and gentle brown bear” – one of the most beloved characters in The Jungle Book – is on display at the family home of author Rudyard Kipling, the National Trust has said.
The illustration, Baloo in the Forest, can be seen at Bateman’s, in East Sussex, where the Kipling family lived, now cared for by the charity.
Hannah Miles, collections and house manager, said the acquisition was a significant addition to their collection and “a rare glimpse into the artistry that helped bring The Jungle Book to life”.
The 1902 painting was created by Edward Julius Detmold – one of the Detmold twins who were commissioned to illustrate the book when they were 18.