Imaginative scenes lesely expand in the illustrated tunnel books by Shelley Aldrich – Kolossal

a small paper tunnel book depicting large mushrooms and a figure hiking through a landscape

Before photography, DIA projectors, films, television or something that came electronic, entertainment from what we now consider to be analogous sources. In the 1700s, for example, you can spend leisure time listening to live music, visiting an art show or a theater performance, playing games and reading books.

Inspired by theatrical stage sets, an innovation that came to popularity in the 18th century was the tunnel book. At the time known as ‘peep shows’, the art form is combined stories with countless layers that, when opened, created the illusory effect of depth and perspective. Usually small and delicate, the scenes often told figures in a series of landscapes and commemorated special events.

A poison of a tunnel book that is opened to show its three -dimensional scene in the winter scene and lamppost through the wardrobe in Narnia
“Narnia tunnel book”

For autodidactic illustrator Shelley AldrichThe tradition inspires a continuous series of lively books and folded visual stories. With mainly watercolor and gouache, she paints flowers and texts that nod to folk stories and famous stories, such as The Chronicles of Narnia And The Hobbit.

“I always enjoyed crafts, but I didn’t really start painting (or making) art until I was 45,” Aldrich tells Colossal. “My background was in marketing and financial analysis, which I did for more than 20 years. After I left my career to raise my girls, I fit the painting in pieces of free time to grow my mind. “

Aldrich learned the basic principles of making a tunnel book by another craftsman on Instagram, and she adapted the method to her own style. She has always enjoyed stationery design, toys and books with small, hidden compartments or miniature surprises. She says: “It is no wonder that when my first daughter was born, I started making small scrapbooks in which moving elements was involved: flaps that opened, hidden letters, mini books and rotating objects. That was probably the start of my paper fascination. ‘

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Aldrich continues to experiment with different paper tricks, such as sliding doors and more and more extensive folds. She constructs scenes inspired by nature, as well as recognizable elements of famous stories, such as the magical portal from the first Narnia book, De Leeuw, De Witch and the Wardrobe.

A small paper tunnel book with the wardrobe of 'The Chronicles of Narnia', which opens to reveal the lamppost and winter scene
“Narnia tunnel book” (2024), open

“I recently discovered vintage paper art that is rarely seen except in museums,” says Aldrich. “I can’t wait to find out all the techniques, stamp them together and make modern pieces that have never been combined before.” She is currently experimenting with the possibilities to combine tunnel books with Victorian Puzzle pursesThey were used as a means to exchange private or romantic messages that can be encapsulated in complicated folds.

“I still like the feeling of awe if you experience something that makes your heart swell,” says Aldrich. “As you get older, I think this happens less because of the responsibilities and burdens of being adults. You tend to see less magic. I hope with my art to evoke the childish miracle and hope that is in all of us. ‘

Find more about the artist website And Instagram.

A folded, illustrated piece of paper that functions as a story that can be unfolded to reveal the message
‘The Hobbit’ Combination Puzzle Fair and Tunnel Book, closed
An illustrated piece of paper that functions as a story that can be folded and unfold to reveal the message
‘The Hobbit’ Combuzzle Puzzle Purse and Tunnel Book, Open
A tunnel book with a scene of a garden through an oval aperture, labeled with the word "blossom"
“Highgrove Tunnel Book” (2024)
A poison of a tunnel book that is turned to show its folded sides and the three -dimensional scene of a garden inside
“Highgrove Tunnel Book” (2024)
A small paper tunnel book with a garden scene, written with the words "Winter Garden" under a cut oval statue
“Winter Garden Tunnel Book” (2024)
The outside of a tunnel book, in the form of two large doors, which can be opened to reveal a story inside
“Wonka Tunnel Book” (2025), closed
The inside of a tunnel book made with paper and watercolor, with a garden scene by Willy Wonka
Detail of “Wonka Tunnel Book”, Open
A poison from the inside of a tunnel book with its three -dimensional scene in the winter scene and lamppost through the wardrobe in Narnia
Detail of “Narnia Tunnel Book”
A folded, illustrated piece of paper covered with flower designs that functions as a story that can be unfolded to reveal the message
Shakespearean Sonnet Combination puzzle wallet and tunnel book, closed



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