Myths and Monsters
The idea of monsters continues to fascinate us, regularly featuring in stories which captivate and entertain. In this new exhibition at The Museum of Somerset, you can see over seventy works of art by seventeen fantastic illustrators, focusing on their work in children’s books on this theme.
There is so much to see and enjoy, but the space is calm and uncluttered, allowing plenty of time to wander at leisure and admire all the works on display. In one corner, a video from Kristina Stephenson shows you how to make your own Monster in a Jar to add to those exhibited in the Museum of Marvellous Things. Kristina has been running craft and storytelling shows at the museum this summer. Sadly, there was not an event on the day I was there or I would have tried to join in! (I’m somewhat older than the targeted audience!)
At one end of the exhibition stands this fantastic sand sculpture, made to celebrate the launch of Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Boy Giant’, which is illustrated by the incredibly talented Michael Foreman. A huge fan of his work (see pictures from the ‘Lucky Button’ exhibition I visited at the Foundling Museum here), I was delighted to see a number of his paintings, including ‘Excalibur’, from ‘Arthur, High King of Britain.’ A large model of Chris Mould’s interpretation of the Iron Man was also on display alongside some of the artwork from the book.
A display of work from ‘Not Now, Bernard’ by the late, great David McKee brought back many happy memories of reading this both at home and at school. Work by Martin Brown, Chris Riddell, Axel Scheffler and many others are also part of this wonderful exhibition. Whilst I was there, families were enjoying it every bit as much as I was, with children recognising their favourite characters and sharing the books (also part of the exhibition) with their adults.
On every wall there is so much to enjoy. I was particularly drawn to Victoria Topping’s illustrations from ‘Mythologica’. I have no idea how I managed to miss this stunning book, but I made sure to buy a copy before leaving the museum!
The exhibition is running until the 29th October and I really recommend it. The charge is ‘Give What You Think’- and once you’ve finished, the Museum itself is both fascinating and beautifully presented. There are plenty of events for children over the summer too- at £2 each, they are a bargain!
You can find out more here.
