On Saturday evening I had the pleasure to attend a late gallery opening at the House of Illustration and see their latest exhibition called Ladybird by Design.
I don’t know about you but I love late gallery openings. They seem so much more relaxed. With this one there were also drinks and activities. Wanting to savour the actual exhibition I decided to try the activities first.
Table full of templates, magazines, markers, scissors and glue for us to play with.
They aim was to take one of the supplied templates (text) which were taken from the Ladybird books and find some imagery for it. Here were some examples floating around.
And here was my attempt. As you can see I veered off a little from the original:-) but hey, creative license and all that…
That part was fun but now to the main attraction. There are over 120 illustrations from Ladybird books dating from the late 1950s to the early 70s, including images from classic Ladybird titles including People at Work, Shopping with Mother, Science, Nature, Well Loved Tales and Key Words. You’ll also find rare photographs, roughs and a spread of the actual book layout, showing the 24 illustrations with the text.
Photography isn’t allowed as there’s a wonderful book accompanying this exhibition but here are just a few images to wet your apetite.
I am always so impressed with the curation at the House of Illustration. Their exhibition are full of storytelling and have immense content. I always come out feeling I saw and learned a lot. One of my favourite feature is the accompanying videos as you exit the exhibition. They are so interesting that I find myself watching them a few times while absorbing what I’ve just seen. See the one on Ladybird by Design here.
The shop, filled to the brim with interesting illustration books, greeting cards and so much more has a variety of products accompanying this exhibition. A box of 100 postcards, the exhibition catalogue, a series of Ladybird prints depicting the alphabet and they also found some original vintage Ladybird books where the proceeds from the sale goes towards the cost of running their extensive education programme.
And here’s what I managed to pick up. The Ladybird book of London has been reproduced but the one on food and Gerry the Giraffe are originals. Hurry though, the vintage ones will sell out fast.
I cannot recommend the exhibition enough and at a price of £7.70 per adult it’s really worth a trip. Check out their website for details of Ladybird inspired talks and events, late gallery openings and family workshops. I cannot wait to return before it closes.
Ladybird by Design
10 July – 27 September
House of Illustration2 Granary Square
Kings Cross
London N1C 4BH
Open 10am – 6pm Tuesdays – Sundays
