“Why Can’t You Draw Something Nice…?” – David Hughes Exhibition at Moyse’s Hall Museum

By John Freeman on March 11, 2024

Moyse’s Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds is currently hosting a huge exhibition of work by David Hughes, an internationally acclaimed British illustrator who has worked for Time Magazine, The New Yorker, The Observer, Granada TV, The Daily Express, The Guardian, The BBC, Punch, The Folio Society and many more.

“Why Can’t You Draw Something Nice…?” - David Hughes Exhibition at Moyse’s Hall Museum

The much-praised exhibition co-curated with the artist, “Why Can’t You Draw Something Nice…?” spans his entire career, particularly focusing on his satire, illustrations, and popular culture. It explores the many medias of a career in book, newspaper, and magazine illustration, as well as design for television, film, and operatic productions, and shares his pandemic journals and sculptures – works created as a reaction to the once in a generational event that brought our way of life to a standstill.

With over 170 pieces on display this is a large exhibition, with many pieces never publicly displayed before.

Cover art for “Walking the Dog”, written and illustrated by David Hughes. Much of what you see within one of the galleries at Moyse’s Hall Museum’s exhibition dedicated to David Hughes' work is based upon, inspired by, or the inspiration for, Hughes’ seminal work, “Walking the Dog”. A book which came about when a nurse said “what you need is a dog”, Hughes explaining “we agreed I was slightly overweight during a medical”. Dexter arrived and off they went. — Cover art for “Walking the Dog”, written and illustrated by David Hughes. Much of what you see within one of the galleries at Moyse’s Hall Museum’s exhibition dedicated to David Hughes’ work is based upon, inspired by, or the inspiration for, Hughes’ seminal work, “Walking the Dog”. A book which came about when a nurse said “what you need is a dog”, Hughes explaining “we agreed I was slightly overweight during a medical”. Dexter arrived and off they went.

“Why Can’t You Draw Something Nice…?” - David Hughes Exhibition at Moyse’s Hall Museum - Opening Night

All exhibition tickets, available here, include access to the full museum collection including Terry Deary’s Terrible Tales; West Suffolk’s infamous Crime and Punishment displays with a book bound in human skin, witchcraft, and more; the history of the Abbey and treasures of the medieval period; a rotating display from the Museum’s fine art collection which includes Mary Beale and Sybil Andrews; the museum’s world-renowned Gershom Parkington Clock Collection and Suffolk Regiment displays; and Styled: Women and costume on canvas in the 17th Century.

Situated in a beautiful medieval building in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, Moyse’s Hall Museum houses eclectic collections and exhibitions, and hosts events ranging from themed craft workshops for all the family to historical talks and lectures.

The landmark 12th Century building’s rich and varied past has included serving as the town’s Bridewell, workhouse, and police station, first opening as a museum in 1899.

Today, the museum offers a fascinating view into the past with collections that document the foundation of the early town – from the creation and dissolution of the abbey, to prison paraphernalia and artefacts providing intriguing insights into superstition and witchcraft.

• “Why Can’t You Draw Something Nice…?” runs until 12th May 2024 at Moyse’s Hall Museum, Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1DX | Mon-Sat 10.00am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm), Sun 12 noon 4.00pm (last entry 3.00pm) | Tickets: Adult £5, Senior Citizen £4.50, Child and Full Time Student £3. Under 5’s go free and do not need a ticket | Booking: Advised – use the ‘Book now’ buttons on this Exhibition Page – or call The Apex Box Office on 01284 758000

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. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 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.