Our Story
Once upon a time, nestled somewhere beyond the winding paths of the British countryside, the Lantern Society began with a small thought: that in a world moving faster than we can catch our breath, there is quiet wonder in something that arrives slowly, by hand, once a month, through the post. There is an old kind of pleasure in waiting for a letter. In waiting for it to drop through the letterbox. In holding something someone made carefully, for you.Â
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That is what the Lantern Society is. A growing collection of illustrated worlds, sent by post, one chapter at a time. More than anything, I wanted to build a small community of people who love storytelling, who miss the old way of connecting, the slowness of it, the care. I am in no hurry to grow this quickly. I would rather it found the right people than many people.
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My hope is a simple one: to make people wonder, and wander. To join me on a journey into colour, adventure and light. And perhaps to find some friends along the way.Â
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The first of these worlds is Whispering Woods. And at the heart of it is Alfred, a young mouse who lives in a hollow beneath an old ash tree. When something precious is taken from Whispering Woods, Alfred sets out alone to bring it back, on a journey that will carry him through the seasons and further from home than any mouse in his family has ever walked.
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Perhaps you might like to join me in following Alfred a little further beyond the trees.
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Best wishes,
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L.J. Black x
Mother says the safest paths are the ones already worn. But surely someone had to walk them first.
—Alfred, the Wonderer
For those who love a cosy fantasy tale, a touch of mystery, and a world that rewards a second look.
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Welcome to Whispering Woods, a village whose residents keep busy in their own small and particular ways. You will read about them in the Whispering Woods Gazette, where Mr Finchley, the robin, our Village Affairs Correspondent, keeps the gossip, sorry, the news up to date. Mr Pemberley, the snail, reports from his moss-covered stump. The old oak has been known to overhear things it perhaps should not.
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At the heart of it all is the Ashworth family, and their eldest son, Master Alfred, a young mouse who has left his hollow to find something precious that has gone missing. His story unfolds slowly, and 36 chapters will be revealed over the course of a year. Festive months get a little extra.
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It is a world of waistcoats and lantern light, of hand-set newspapers and paths that go further than they ought to. If you love warm animal characters, gentle wonder, and a mystery that unfolds at the pace of a real one, you will feel at home here.
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Join our little Society and become part of the stories, the paintings, the small keepsakes of our world, and the conversations that grow around them.
Whispering Woods: A World That Grows
Whispering Woods keeps few
real secrets. It only takespatience,
and a willingness to listen
at the right hedges.
—Mr Finchley, Village Affairs Correspondent
I do not follow recipes, dear.
I follow the flour,
and see where it leads.
—Mrs Pinkypaws, Baker of Whispering Woods
Collectable Character Cards
Each Collectable Character Card is a small hand-illustrated portrait of one of the characters from Alfred's world. On the front, you meet them face-to-face. On the back, you learn a little of who they are, a habit, a small fear, a favourite thing, a question they cannot let go of.
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Alfred is the first. Beatrix and Roald are already walking towards you.
Alfred
The Wonderer
Alfred is a curious little mouse who cannot help but wonder what lies beyond the Whispering Woods.
Beatrix
The CartographerÂ
Beatrix, teaches Alfred to notice what hides in plain sight.
- Will be revealed soon -
Roald
The Pathfinder
Roald is never afraid to venture beyond the familiar path.Â
- Will be revealed soon -
...and many more to follow!
For those who wish to step quietly into the story
The Fellowship
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The Whispering Woods Gazette, the village's own newspaper professionally printed on A3 paper
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& 2a. A hand-illustrated art print on 300gsm A5 paper, inspired by the chapter. At the back, information about Alfred's family and the Whispering Woods world
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​Alfred's wisdom card, in beautiful gold foiling at the back
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The chapter(s) of Alfred's story, printed in a small booklet
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A personal letter from the author and artist, L.J. Black
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An original sticker inspired by the chapter
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​...all that beautifully wrapped with a golden bow! (7.)
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​And twice a year: A print for your birthday, and something festive in November's envelope. ​
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What arrives in your envelope each month:
One-time purchase: £23.99
or
Monthly subscription: £13.99 Â
Purchase Options:​
Fellowship Annual Subscription: £139.99Â
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Twelve envelopes for the price of ten, and a numbered giclée print made once and never again.Until 30 September Â
Cancel your membership anytime. What you've found stays with you.
UK Shipping: Free
International shipping (outside the UK):
Normally £3.60 per envelope, but we cover most of it!
You pay just £0.60 per envelope.
The Inner Circle Â
For those who wish to step beyond the story, and be part of what it becomes
What arrives in your envelope each month, and what's waiting in the members' area:
Includes all that is offered within the Collector's Edition,Â
with the addition of:
14. A third sticker from the tale, drawn only for Inner Circle members
15. A monthly Inner Circle exclusive, a collectable item made only for the Inner Circle. First month: A Bookmark!
16. A growing library of free downloadables, exclusive to the Inner Circle members' area: colouring pages, riddles from the woods, village recipes, and more.
17. Personal correspondence with L.J. BlackÂ
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The members-only area: the Whispering Woods Almanac, the villagers' own pages, and downloads to print at home. The library grows every month.
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The Inner Circle is kept deliberately small (capped at 30 places).
Every letter read and answered personally by L.J. Black
Purchase Options:​
  Â
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Subscribe monthly: £34.99 Â
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What arrives in your envelope each month, and what's waiting in the members' area:
Founding Year Subscription: £349.99Â
Â
Twelve envelopes for the price of ten, and a numbered giclée print made once and never again. Until 30 September
UK Shipping: Free
International shipping (outside the UK):
Normally £3.60 per envelope, but we cover most of it!
You pay just £0.60 per envelope.
Cancel anytime. What you collect becomes part of your story
The Collector's Edition
One-time purchase: £33.99
or
Monthly subscription: £21.99 Â
Purchase Options:​
Members' area access comes with monthly memberships only.
UK Shipping: Free
International shipping (outside the UK):
Normally £3.60 per envelope, but we cover most of it!
You pay just £0.60 per envelope.
Cancel anytime. What you collect becomes part of your story.
Founding Year Subscription: £219.99Â
Â
Twelve envelopes for the price of ten, and a numbered giclée print made once and never again.Until 30 September Â
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What arrives in your envelope each month, and what's waiting in the members' area:
Includes all that is offered within the Fellowship, with the addition of:
  8. A hand-drawn colouring page inspired by the chapter
  9. A Collectable Character Card with information at the back on the character's traits
  10. A second sticker from the tale, drawn especially for Collector's Edition members
 11. One additional holographic inspirational sticker, drawn from the taleÂ
 12. A transfer sticker from the story
 13. Access to the artist's desk, via the members-only area of the Society
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The members-only area: the Whispering Woods Almanac, the villagers' own pages, and downloads to print at home. The library grows every month.
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For those who wish to keep the residents of Whispering Woods close
How The Lantern Society Mail Club Works
Step 1: Choose how to join
Pick the membership that suits you
Step 2: An envelope arrives by post
Eery month, a hand-prepared envelope comes to your door. A chapter of the story, and illustrated print, and more.
Step 3: The story unfolds
A new chapter arrives each month, and the world of Whispering Woods grows across the year.Â
FAQs
When will my first envelope arrive?
Whenever you join, your first envelope begins with Chapter One, so you never miss the start of the story. I make and post each new member's envelope by hand within a few days of joining. After that, a new envelope follows every month.
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How long will it take to arrive?
Once your envelope is posted, delivery times vary by location and by local postal services. Royal Mail aims for around 3 working days within the UK, and 5–7 for international. During busy periods such as Christmas, please allow a little longer.
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How much is postage?
UK postage is always included. International shipping would normally be £3.60. For now, we cover most of it, so you pay just £0.60!
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What's your return policy?
Almost everything we make is printed or created to order, so we're unable to accept returns. If an item arrives damaged, contact us, and we'll put it right.
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Can I cancel my membership?
Yes, any time. What you've already received is yours to keep.
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What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Your payment details are processed securely and never stored by us.
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Do you sell prints or take commissions?
We do. Prints aren't on the website yet, but we're working on it! L.J. Black takes on two bespoke commissions each quarter. Get in touch, and the characters of our world would love to be part of your vision.
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How do I get in touch?
Our support desk is open Monday to Friday, 9–5 GMT. Alfred may respond first. Email us at hello@lanternsociety.co.uk. Alternatively, send me a direct message on any social media platform.
