Margret Elizabeth Rey, a renowned individual, entered this world as Margarete Elisabeth Waldstein on a sunny day, May 10, 1906, in the vibrant city of Hamburg, Germany. Her father, a prominent figure, held a seat in the esteemed Reichstag. As a young and aspiring artist, Margret pursued her passion for art at the prestigious Bauhaus in Dessau, where she honed her skills alongside other talented individuals. Her artistic journey continued at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where she further refined her craft. Later, she ventured to the University of Munich to expand her knowledge and expertise in the field of art. Following her academic pursuits, Margret ventured into the world of advertising, applying her creative skills to a new and exciting realm.
In the year 1935, she made the bold decision to depart from her native Germany, fleeing the oppressive regime of Nazism, and ultimately settled in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where a new chapter of her life was about to unfold.
It was during her time in Rio that she would meet her future husband, Hans, and the two would subsequently tie the knot in 1935, marking the beginning of their life together.
The following year, 1936, saw the couple make the move to the City of Light, Paris, France, where Hans's exceptional animal drawings would soon capture the attention of a prominent French publisher.
The illustrious careers of the Reys, a talented duo of artists and writers, were momentarily put on hold due to the unforeseen and tumultuous outbreak of World War II. As Jews, they were faced with the daunting task of escaping the impending Nazi occupation of Paris, a city they had called home. With a sense of urgency and trepidation, they hastily procured train tickets to Lisbon, Portugal, a destination chosen for its relative safety and distance from the conflict. After a treacherous journey, they finally arrived in the United States, specifically in New York City, where they would eventually find solace and success in their work. It was in this vibrant metropolis that their books would be published by the esteemed Houghton Mifflin in 1941, a milestone that would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their remarkable careers.
The illustrious Reys' most renowned and enduring creation is undoubtedly the beloved Curious George series, which swiftly gained widespread acclaim and popularity upon its initial release. This remarkable collection of seven stories, penned by the talented duo, showcases the unique collaboration between Hans and Margret, with Hans skillfully bringing the illustrations to life and Margret meticulously crafting the narrative.
Initially, Margret's name was inadvertently omitted from the cover of the series, a oversight that was subsequently rectified in later editions, allowing her rightful contribution to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Following the untimely passing of her spouse in 1977, Margret, a talented and resilient individual, redirected her focus towards her writing career, ultimately securing a prestigious position as a Professor of Creative Writing at Brandeis University, situated in the charming town of Waltham, Massachusetts. This significant milestone marked a new chapter in her life, as she embarked on a fruitful collaboration with the accomplished filmmaker, Alan Shalleck, to co-create a captivating series of short films featuring the beloved character of Curious George.
Margret Rey, a renowned author and illustrator, took a significant step in 1989 by establishing the Curious George Foundation, a remarkable initiative aimed at nurturing the creative potential of children and promoting a culture of compassion towards animals. This philanthropic endeavour was a testament to her enduring commitment to the well-being of future generations.
Throughout her illustrious career, Rey was also a steadfast supporter of the Longy School of Music, a prestigious institution dedicated to the pursuit of musical excellence. Her involvement with the school was a reflection of her appreciation for the transformative power of art and her desire to foster a community of creative individuals.
In a befitting tribute to her legacy, Rey left her entire literary estate to the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi. This generous gift ensured that her beloved character, Curious George, would continue to inspire and delight children for generations to come, while also cementing her place as a trailblazing figure in the world of children's literature.
