Celebrating the world of children’s
book illustrator Helen Oxenbury

Illustrations from So Much and Big Mama makes the World, fill a wall at the Waterfront Gallery

Helen chats with author & illustrator James Mayhew and Amanda Hodgkinson, director of the Suffolk Centre for Heritage and Culture at the exhibition in July

Waterfront Gallery, Ipswich

Adventures in Childhood

An exhibition of Helen’s work called Adventures in Childhood is taking place this Summer at the Waterfront Gallery, part of the University of Suffolk’ Centre for Cultural Heritage. Helen was born in Ipswich and lived there until she was 10.

The exhibition brings together illustrations spanning five decades including work from So Much, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Farmer Duck. From sketches to fully realised watercolours, the display highlights the craft and technique behind some of the most recognisable images in picture books, and the importance of illustration. The University have also invited local school children to create their own artwork in guided workshops and their work is on display at the Cultural Centre for people to look at.

Adventures in Childhood runs until September 11. Click the button below for more details

NEW BOOK

‘Oh Dear Look What I Got’

A new rhyming picture book that begs to be read aloud:

‘Oh Dear, Look What I Got!’
written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. This is their first together since they collaborated on We’re Going on a Bear Hunt in 1989.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Author and illustrator James Mayhew selects his favourite Helen Oxenbury book.

Interview at The Harley Gallery

The Sunday Times‘ Childrens Books Expert, Nicolette Jones interviews Helen at the Harley Gallery on World Illustration Day.