Page 52 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2017 - Online Magazine

Who Created

Peter Pan?

Throughout the world, the little boy APRIL 14-15, 21- 23
who would never grow up, who battled
swashbuckling pirates and flew through
the stars, is a staple of childhood story time.
Generations of childish imaginations have
crafted their own version of Neverland and
have envisioned themselves treading those
distant shores.

Peter Pan was created by Scottish novelist
and playwright, Sir James Matthew Barrie, 1st
Baronet, OM (Order of Merit). Barrie claimed
the character and his stories were inspired by
five little boys: George, John, Peter, Michael,
and Nicholas Llewelyn Davies. Barrie became
acquainted with this young troop of Davies
on a walk in Kensington Gardens in 1898, and,
ultimately, served as the boys’ guardian and
raised them after the death of their parents.

The story of Peter Pan has evolved greatly
since first conception. In the original story,
published in 1902, Peter roamed London’s
Kensington Gardens instead of Neverland.
Also, rather than mounting the wings of
fantasy fueled by pixie dust, Peter actually
mounted a goat in the first “Peter Pan” story.

The villainous Captain Hook was not part
of the initial version of the beloved play. In
fact, there might never have been a villain in
Neverland if the stage hands working the play
rehearsals had not required a scene be added
at the front of the stage to allow time for set
changes. These changes further enhanced
the beloved classic and are now preeminent
in the tale.

The story of Peter Pan has benefitted all
children, but most especially the children in
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in
London. Prior to his death, Barrie dedicated
the rights for Peter Pan to the hospital, which
continues to benefit from them.

52 Lubbock Senior Link