The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Artists exhibition has just opened at New Walk Museum in Leicester, offering not just an insight into the art and the many books published, but a visual history of 20th Century Britain in microcosm.

This exhibition, which we’ve previously featured here at previous venues, for children of all ages reveals original artworks of the talented artists behind the iconic Ladybird books.

Through these remarkable pictures the exhibition enters the wonderful realm of Ladybird taking a voyage of discovery through the book themes of history, science, nature and fairy tales as well as the world of Peter and Jane.

“There were many different factors behind Ladybird books’ phenomenal success in the 1950s – 80s,” feels Helen Day, curator of the exhibition, “but as Ladybird books were essentially picture books, it could be said that their success rested largely with the success of the artwork in attracting and engaging readers.

“But who were these artists? Are they known for other work?  Were they employees of the company? What was the context in which they were illustrating? Who were the models for the pictures and what were the real locations?

“I hope the exhibition can begin to tell their story – and in the process evoke those powerful memories of childhood.”

• The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Artists exhibition runs until 1st Sepember 2019, Leicester New Walk Museum, 53 New Walk, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 7EA | Website

WEB LINKS

• The official website of Penguin RandomHouse Ladybird Books

• Ladybirdflyawayhome.com

• Read an interview with curator Helen Day here on the BBC web site

• Touring Exhibition Group website

• Ladybird Artists exhibition Facebook page

With thanks to Jeremy Briggs

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Explorer (previously known as Star Trek Magazine) and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War and “Dan Dare”. He’s the writer of "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.

Categories: Art and Illustration, Books, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions, Other Worlds

Tags: downthetubes News, Exhibition, Helen Day, Ladybird Books, Leicester, New Walk Museum, The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Artists