Artist kit williams book masquerade contained clues in paintings pointing the way to a golden hare buried in ampthill great park in bedfordshire. Originally published in august 1979, the book contains clues within its illustrations. Masquerade, a story book and puzzle by kit williams, masquerades paintings also by kit williams had clues to the location of a golden hare, buried treasure hidden somewhere in britain. Masquerade, a story book and puzzle by kit williams, masquerade s paintings also by kit williams had clues to the location of a golden hare, buried treasure hidden somewhere in britain. Masquerade sold over a million copies worldwide, sparked a global craze and brought williams a quite unwelcome degree of fame. Masquerade by kit williams meet your next favorite book. Sometimes these had relevance on the books solution, and sometimes not. Feb 15, 2018 masquerade is a book by kit williams that sparked a treasure hunt to find a golden hare. Masquerade by kit williams, first edition abebooks.
In paperback, the book that touched off the treasure hunt of the centurywith a full explanation of the masquerade riddle. The book became the inspiration for a genre of books known today as armchair treasure hunts. One of the classic picture books of all time, the mystery and charm of the illustrations and story and of course back story, which is remarkable survive intact to this name. His next book had no title, this is my story of my effort to find it and win the book. Masquerade by kit williams is an illustrated children. Masquerade the answers by williams, kit paperback book the fast free shipping see more like this s d p o n s 1 o r 4 e 9 y 2 d t x 2 6 masquerade by kit williams hc book with dj 1981.
How a reallife treasure hunt obsessed a nation bbc. Kit williams okay, before we get into the nittygritty of masquerade, know the following. The masquerade armchair treasure hunt and solution. Masquerade by kit williams 1987 hardcover hardcover. Kit williams newly refurbished clock in cheltenham is also worth the journey.
An exlibrary book and may have standard library stamps andor stickers. Kit williams and a great selection of related books. Colour illustrations throughout by kit williams in 1976 tom maschler of jonathan cape saw some of williams s artwork and was so enraptured by it that he was convinced that he could do a book with him, probably a childrens book or a book of his paintings. Originally published in august 1979, the book contains clues within its illustrations as to the whereabouts of a small gold and jewelled amulet hare worth. Unearthed again the golden hare that obsessed a nation. Masquerade by kit williams 1979 treasurehunting puzzle book. In 1979, british artist kit williams published masquerade, a picture book telling the whimsical story of a hare who loses the precious jewel entrusted to him by the sun. The moon loves the sun, and to show how much she loves him, she gives a token of love to be delivered by the fastest creature around. Masquerade is a book by kit williams that sparked a treasure hunt to find a golden hare.
Masquerades hare runs again as elusive jewel that sparked nationwide hunt goes on display. The amulet, created by artist kit williams, is to be shown at the victoria and albert museum as part. In 1979 the british artist kit williams buried a golden hare somewhere in the uk countryside and published a book full of painted clues to its whereabouts. Kit williams book masquerade became an unlikely publishing phenomenon in 1979. For most of its duration, the lunchtime meeting, conducted around williamss kitchen table whilst munching on the homespun country fare he. Masquerade is the quintessential armchair treasure hunt book. Aug 20, 2009 author kit williams reunited with 18carat gold hare which his book masquerade sparked the nations biggest treasure hunt for 30 years ago.
Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. In 1979, artist kit williams published masquerade a storybook decorated with paintings whose intricacies held clues that would lead. Oct 05, 2016 i have puzzled over masquerade for most of my adult life i am 61 the book is beautiful and although i am aware of the story behind what happened to the treasure, i am still delighted to read this solution. Public interest in the hunt for kit williams golden hare led to the sale. But the public response was so overwhelming williams received more. Masquerade is a picture book, written and illustrated by kit williams, published in august 1979, that sparked a treasure hunt by concealing clues to the location. Originally aimed at children, it contained clues in. Recommended to anyone curious about the book but who hasnt yet read a copy. Apr 06, 2019 in 1979, artist kit williams published masquerade a storybook decorated with paintings whose intricacies held clues that would lead the successful sleuth to an 18carat golden hare. For most of its duration, the lunchtime meeting, conducted around williamss kitchen table whilst munching on the homespun country fare he served up, wasnt especially productive. Author kit williams reunited with 18carat gold hare which his book masquerade sparked the nations biggest treasure hunt for 30 years ago. This was not the only book that williams has created, thank goodness, but it was a real breakthrough in this type of artwork. A phenomenon at the time, the book sold more than a million copies and sparked a worldwide hunt for the gold. A near fine copy, gift inscription to the front free endpaper verso.
He uses traditional oilpainting techniques, fashioning first a wooden panel covered in linen and oil jesso. Apr, 2011 kit williams book masquerade became an unlikely publishing phenomenon in 1979. Pages can include considerable notesin pen or highlighterbut the notes cannot obscure the text. Unearthed again golden hare that obsessed a nation. Masquerade by kit williams, 9780805237474, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. For instance, numerous books, like the current armchair treasure hunt fandango, have since followed and were inspired by masquerades. I was obsessed with this book as a kid, a gift from my grandmother years ago. Public interest in the hunt for kit williams golden hare led to the sale of 2 million books, but left the author a virtual recluse. Jul 09, 2019 artist kit williams book masquerade contained clues in paintings pointing the way to a golden hare buried in ampthill great park in bedfordshire. Masquerade is an illustrated storybook created by kit williams and was published in 1979.
I looked it up online today and coincidentally, the buried treasure could only be found by digging near the crossshaped monument to catherine of aragon in a small english town, at the precise spot touched by the tip of the monuments shadow at the stroke of noon on either the vernal or. Colour illustrations throughout by kit williams in 1976 tom maschler of jonathan cape saw some of williams s artwork and was so enraptured by it that he was convinced that he could do a book with him, probably a childrens book or a book of his. Christopher kit williams born 28 april 1946 is an english artist, illustrator and author best known for his 1979 book masquerade, a pictorial storybook which contains clues to the location of a golden 18 carat jewelled hare created by williams and then buried somewhere in britain. See more ideas about masquerade, illustration and art. Many others have followed, but this is the first in this genre, to be accepted as puzzle artwork a beautifully designed puzzle on each page. World of spectrum, pictures from an old book description.
Important to check out all of the news following the actual treasure hunt and subsequent controversy. Kit williams okay, before we get into the nittygritty. It also gradually reveals hints to how the main puzzle works, before giving. See all 4 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. Kit williams outside the gloucestershire cottage where masquerade was proposed, conceived, and executed. I think the more you read this the more you will get out of it. Masquerade, bee on the comb, and out of one eye are all long out of print, but should be fairly easy to find cheaply, especially masquerade. I looked it up online today and coincidentally, the buried treasure could only be found by digging near the crossshaped monument to catherine of aragon in a small english town, at the precise spot touched by the tip of the monuments shadow at the stroke of noon on either. Uncommonly good collectible and rare books from uncommonly good booksellers.
But the wheels of bankruptcy do grind, slowly yet relentlessly. Christopher kit williams born 28 april 1946 is an english artist, illustrator and author best known for his 1 979 book masquer ade, a pictorial storybook which contains clues to the location of a golden 18 carat jewelled hare cre ated by wil liams and then buried somewhere in b ritain w illiams published three oth er books and was commissioned to create three public clocks with elaborate. Ive written about masquerade for both the idler and bbc radio 4, and now ive. Masquerade is a picture book, written and illustrated by kit williams, published in august 1979, that sparked a treasure hunt by concealing clues to the location of a jewelled golden hare, created and hidden somewhere in britain by williams. Masquerade kit williams for sale in uk view 41 bargains. For three years, treasureseekers from both sides of the atlantic sought a fabulous golden hare buried by artist kit williams. Colour illustrations throughout by kit williams in 1976 tom maschler of jonathan cape saw some of williamss artwork and was so enraptured by it that he was convinced that he could do a book with him, probably a childrens book or a book. Dec 21, 2009 a 1982 omnibus bbc tv programme on the buried golden jewel adorned hare and the treasure hunt for it throughout england that ended at ampthilli am one of. The courtappointed liquidator of haresoft, charged with recovering as much money as possible to pay off the bank that had been unwise enough. Somewhere in britain jack hare lost the moons gift to the sun. Kit williams has worked as a figurative painter for the last 45 years and along the way has published four books. Like a lot of kids who grew up in the late 70searly 80s, i was absolutely enthralled with a picture book called masquerade. Originally aimed at children, it contained clues in paintings and verse that led ultimately to the physical. Unearthed again golden hare that obsessed a nation books.
The book included an armchair treasure hunt and is often said to be the forerunner for treasure hunts of its kind. Kit williams and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. Kit williams is quite a character as well, i recommend watching the youtube documentary on him. If your order is urgent please contact me any questions then please ask. Masquerade by kit williams hardback book very masquerade book by kit williams. Kit williams sparked the nations biggest treasure hunt 30 years ago with his book masquerade, which sold 2m copies worldwide.
With an invitation to the book launch and a contemporary article concerning the book both loosely inserted. The book, written and illustrated by kit williams, could be read as a standard childs fable about the moon falling in love with the sun, but it was designed as a realworld treasure hunt. In december of 1988, a month of bombshell revelations about masquerade, the golden hare, and ken thomas, kit williamss treasure resurfaced for auction at sothebys. On each painting there are several pieces of information. Masquerade the answers by williams, kit 1982 paperback. Sep 03, 2017 masquerade is an illustrated storybook created by kit williams and was published in 1979.