EVERYONE’S favourite giant is coming to The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle this week in a magical exhibition of Quentin Blake’s enchanting illustrations.
The BFG in Pictures, which opens at the museum on Saturday, July 14 and lasts until September, is the first major display of artwork by Quentin Blake for Roald Dahl’s enduring tale.
Blake has personally selected 40 pieces from his archive, to illustrate his experience of working on the popular book and has also written the commentary to inform the exhibition’s interpretative text, relating his first-hand experience of collaborating with Dahl and his approach to illustration.
The exhibition includes several unpublished illustrations from the first design stage of the book, providing a unique insight into the development of one of the most iconic characters in children’s literature.
Exhibited alongside the final illustrations for the book, they reveal a glimpse of the rapport between author and illustrator, and a hint of a BFG that might have been.
“It’s an honour to display Blake’s illustrations at The Bowes Museum and we can’t wait to share them with our visitors,” said education co-ordinator Amy Bainbridge. “Perfect for the summer, The BFG in Pictures exhibition will interest family members of all ages and is not to be missed.”
Accompanying the exhibition is an activity programme for families, relating to the delightful illustrations. A variety of themed drop-in events takes place throughout the school holidays, giving families the added advantage of using their family pass for unlimited repeat visits.
Families can also enter The BFG’s cave, packed full of activities including a comfy reading area, BFG related craft activities and fancy dress.
Check the museum website for more details of the events programme and the “scrumdiddlyumptious” BFG themed afternoon teas in Café Bowes.
In addition, the museum is hosting a teacher training event linked to the exhibition on Thursday, July 19. Practical ideas for creative writing and drawing in primary schools is being delivered by published author Adam Bushnell and established artist Vicky Holbrough. As well as viewing the exhibition, teachers will be given many practical ideas that promote creative writing and drawing techniques in the classroom. Contact the museum for details.
