Axel Scheffler: A Life in Illustration

Taunton is home to the Museum of Somerset. Housed in the old castle. it is a fascinating place to visit and frequently has wonderful illustration exhibitions. Recently, I went to enjoy ‘A Life in Illustration’, focusing on the work of Axel Scheffler.

Zog was on hand to greet all the excited visitors who had come to have fun with their favourite characters! Axel Scheffler’s characters are instantly recognisable and there were many squeals of joy as Zog welcomed everyone and entertained those in the queue!

As well as enjoying the exhibition, children can take part in a variety of activities, including a trail around the museum and themed art sessions based on different books created by the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler partnership.

As an adult, the exhibition offers a fascinating look at Axel’s work from his time spent studying at Bath Academy of Art in Corsham to his recent books. There is so much to see and enjoy!

Illustrations from well known books such as ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’, the very first book which Julia and Axel collaborated on and possibly their most famous creation, ‘The Gruffalo’. These books are every important to me- they formed a key part of story times when my son was little and are books which I have shared with classes and book groups on countless occasions! It was wonderful to see how the art work developed and these favourite characters took shape.

The exhibition also includes illustrations from German publications which I had never seen before. Each section was fascinating and I will be going back again…and again...! It is a not-to-be-missed treat!