Don’t miss The Magic of David McKee Exhibition in Lymington

By John Freeman on 19 August 2026 • ( 0 )

St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in Lymington, Hampshire is currently running Elmer, Mr Benn… the magic of David McKee, a vibrant new exhibition celebrating one of Britain’s most beloved and influential author–illustrators, who died in 2022.

Ray Brooks, the voice of Mr Benn on television, died last year, aged 86.

Bringing together previously unseen original artworks, the exhibition, which runs until 6th September, offers a rare opportunity to explore the imagination, humour and heart of the creator behind Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, Mr Benn, King Rollo and many more unforgettable characters.

Some of his illustrations, on loan from McKee’s family, depict stories that were written but never televised, including one in which Mr Benn visits a prison.

For more than 40 years, David McKee shaped the landscape of children’s picture books. His stories, playful, warm and gently profound, have captivated generations, from pre-schoolers encountering Elmer for the first time to grandparents revisiting the world of Mr Benn. Best known for the joyful, patchwork elephant who longs to belong, McKee’s stories carry timeless messages of inclusivity, kindness and acceptance. His bold colours and distinctive visual style remain instantly recognisable.

Alongside his own creations, McKee also illustrated works by other leading authors, including several of Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear stories, enriching British children’s literature with his unmistakable style.

From the beginning of his career, McKee pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling. Across his books, certain hallmarks appear again and again: a seamless interplay of words and pictures; witty, gently subversive humour; and deeply held values of kindness, equality and pacifism, expressed softly but with conviction. His adult characters – most notably Mr Benn and King Rollo – were approachable figures whose adventures gave young readers a sense of agency and possibility.

Festive Road, seen in Mr. Benn, created by Dave McKee, was based on the area around McKee's family home in London — *Festive Road, seen in Mr. Benn, created by Dave McKee, was based on the area around McKee’s family home in London*

One of McKee’s most enduring creations, Mr Benn, lives a quiet life on Festive Road until a visit to a mysterious fancy-dress shop transforms everything. With each costume he tries on, Mr Benn steps through a magic door into a world of adventure, from jungles to distant lands, before returning home, changed in subtle but meaningful ways. These stories later inspired the much-loved BBC animated series, written and illustrated by McKee himself.

Throughout his career, McKee was always on the side of the child. His illustrations brim with hidden details and subtle jokes for young readers to discover; his messages are never heavy-handed; and he never underestimates his audience. His books invite children to explore, question and imagine – quietly empowering them along the way.

Speaking to the BBC, McKee’s son, Brett, confirmed Mr Benn’s home of Festive Road was based on the actual road where their family had lived, in London.

“He based it on people who were around at the time,” he said. “Kids did sometimes make jokes you know, walk past and impersonate Mr Benn’s walk because he had an odd walk.

“If he could make someone feel happier, or bring a bit of positivity into their day, then he’d go away feeling good about himself.”

Elmer, Mr Benn… the magic of David McKee celebrates the legacy of an artist whose work continues to inspire creativity, courage and compassion. This joyful and thought-provoking exhibition will appeal to families, art lovers and anyone who has ever been enchanted by the world of David McKee.

Elmer and Mr Benn: The Magic of David McKee | Runs until 6th September 2026 | Open Sundays during summer holidays | St. Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, St Barbe, New St, Lymington SO41 9BH | Website: stbarbe-museum.org.uk

Head downthetubes for…

• St Barbe Friday Friends Talk – The David McKee Sketchbook

Science fiction author and dramatist Simon Guerrier, presented a talk about the origins of Mr Benn and Elmer the patchwork Elephant. Simon’s closely associated with Doctor Who. He has written more than 60 audio plays and documentaries for BBC Radio 3 and is the author and co-author of numerous books.

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.