Celebrated children's book illustrator Helen Oxenbury has returned to her birthplace of Ipswich for a special exhibition titled 'Adventures in Childhood'. The display, which opened on Friday 17 July, features 50 of her well-known illustrations, offering a nostalgic journey into the world of some of Britain's most beloved picture books.
Among the works on show are illustrations from the hugely popular 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' by Michael Rosen. Despite the book's immense success and its role in establishing her name, Oxenbury has previously shared that it wasn't her personal favourite to illustrate, citing 'So Much' by Trish Cooke and 'Farmer Duck' as more enjoyable projects. Her return to Ipswich holds particular significance, as she studied at the Ipswich School of Art in the 1950s and expressed delight at revisiting her old haunts.
The exhibition is hosted at the Waterfront Gallery, Ipswich, and forms part of a week-long series of events dedicated to childhood education at the University of Suffolk. This wider programme includes a visit from 400 primary school pupils, who will have the opportunity to participate in drawing workshops and see their own creative work on display. Oxenbury herself highlighted the importance of sharing stories in childhood and expressed her pleasure that children would engage with the exhibition in such a hands-on way.
On the opening day, Oxenbury engaged in a conversation with Bungay-based artist James Mayhew. Mayhew, alongside university chancellor and author Zeb Soanes, is also leading workshops for the visiting schoolchildren. Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Director of the Suffolk Centre of Culture and Heritage, praised Oxenbury's work, stating her hope that the exhibition and associated school events would inspire young people to cultivate creative and critical thinking skills, which she believes are vital for society's future.
The 'Adventures in Childhood' exhibition will remain open to the public throughout the summer, running from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 4 pm, with its closing scheduled for mid-September. It offers a unique opportunity for both children and adults to appreciate the artistry behind some of the most cherished stories in children's literature, connecting generations through the enduring power of illustration.