Rare watercolour of Jungle Book bear on show

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.

The National Trust said that of the original 16 watercolours created by the brothers, only five are known to survive.

Another Detmold original, The Return of the Buffalo Herd, was acquired in 2024, and visitors to the property in Burwash will be able to see two of the surviving illustrations from The Jungle Book together.

Miles said the twins captured the essence of the characters by visiting London Zoo to sketch animals from life and create detailed foundations for the watercolours that are seen today.

The National Trust said the latest acquisition was made possible thanks to a fund established by the late Simon Sainsbury as well as contributions from supporters, including a donation from the Rye and District National Trust Association.

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