Exhibitions and events which we think may be of interest to IBIS members.
We welcome suggestions for additions to this list.
Current Exhibitions
Denizens of Discworld: 30 Years of Paul Kidby’s Illustrations
St Barbe Museum, Lymington
This exhibition has now closed, but we understand that is it likely to tour.
We will provide further details as we receive them.
This unique exhibition presents a rogues’ gallery of characters from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books, beautifully drawn and painted by Paul Kidby.
Quentin Blake Book Covers
Haverhill Arts Centre
Until 11 March 2023
Quentin Blake’s career illustrating books began over 60 years ago with his covers for paperback fiction. Since then he has created hundreds of designs for everything from literary classics to his own picture books.
Click Here for Further Information
Future venues include Aberdeen Art Gallery (8 July to 17 September 2023) and Rugby Art Gallery and Museum (10 February to 11 May 2024)
IBIS Field Trip
University of Reading, Special Collections
3 May 2023
We would like you to join us for an IBIS 'field trip' on Wednesday 3rd May from 2.30 to 4.15pm. We will be visiting the Reading University, Museums and Special Collections to view original artwork and other items from their archives.
The meeting will take place in the conference room at the Museum of Rural Life, 6 Redlands Rd, Reading, RG1 5EX. Free to IBIS members, £3 to non-members. Members may wish to arrive early to visit the Museum of Rural Life. There is a cafe on site and a student pub nearby.
We will be able to see items from their special collections that include extensive publishers’ archives. In arranging the visit we have suggested that members might be interested in artwork by artists such as Aubrey Beardsley & Charles Mozley, and the John & Griselda Lewis ephemera collection relating to illustrators. We have also requested any items relating to M.V. Wheelhouse and other items from the George Bell publisher’s archives if this is practical, as well as letters relating to Alan Odle, Harry Clarke & John Austen from the John Lane archive.
Numbers are limited. To book a place on the visit please contact Martin Steenson at ibissec@martinsteenson.co.uk
100 years of Norman Thelwell
Mottisfont, Hampshire
On until 4 May 2023
a major new exhibition featuring over 150 works, from Thelwell's trademark ponies and other cartoons to glorious watercolours of local landscapes.
The Legend of King Arthur: A Pre-Raphaelite Love Story
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Carlisle
On until 3 June 2023
A Touring exhibition that depicts the triangular interdependency that exists between Arthurian legend, Pre-Raphaelite artists and locations linked to the Arthurian legend.
Quentin Blake: Illustrating Verse
Weston Museum, Weston-super-Mare
Until 3 June 2023
Quentin Blake has been writing and illustrating poetry throughout his 60-year career. Many of his own books feature rhymes and songs, and he has collaborated with writers including Michael Rosen and Roald Dahl.
Click Here for Further Information
Future venues include Aberdeen Art Gallery (8 July to 17 September 2023) and Lighthouse, Poole Centre for the Arts (23 September 2023 to 3 January 2024)
Paul Nash and the Art of the Book
V&A Museum, London
On until 13 June 2023
Paul Nash (1889-1946) is best known as a landscape painter and war artist. This display explores his work as an illustrator, showing how his graphic style was changed by his experience of war and influenced by his exposure to new artistic ideas in the early decades of the 20th century.
Sentimental Journeys: The Art and Life of Ivy Millicent James
The Museum of Somerset
On until 1 July 2023
This exhibition showcases the work of Somerset artist Ivy Millicent James (1879-1965), a celebrated postcard artist and active suffragist who lived and worked in Weston-super-Mare during a time of great change in the role of women within society.
The Wonderful World of the Ladybird book artists
Braintree Museum, Essex
On until 1 July 2023
A touring exhibition featuring hundreds of vintage Ladybird books and original watercolour illustrations, curated by ladybird book expert Helen Day.
Future venues and dates:
Summer 2023: Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick.
Spring 2024: The Victoria Art Gallery, Bath.
Summer 2024: St Albans Museum, St Albans.
Pop Up Books Through the Ages
Newberry Library, Chicago, USA
On until 15 July 2023
Featuring books, maps, and ephemera from the Newberry collection, Pop-Up Books through the Ages traces the extensive history of hands-on reading. The exhibition is accompanied by a number of supporting events.
Forthcoming Events and Exhibitions
Amanda Hall, How The Sea Came To Be
Chris Beetles Gallery, London
25 April to 5 May 2023
The artist Amanda Hall continues to establish herself as one of the most interesting illustrators in the world and with her latest book How the Sea Came to Be.
PBFA 2023 London Internation Book Fair
Art Workers' Guild, London
20 and 21 May 2023
Back after an absence of a few years - this important annual fair returns to its convenient Earl's Court location.
Flower Fairies: Enchanting illustrations by Cicely Mary Barker
Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight (Liverpool)
15 April to 5 Nov 2023
To mark the 100-year anniversary of her first book, Flower Fairies of the Spring, this exhibition will feature around 45 original illustrations by Cicely Mary Barker (1895 to 1973), with digital projections and costumes inspired by the fairies, designed by Vin Burnham.
Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective
Cambridge University Library
29 April to 26 August 2023
This touring exhibition, curated by the Quentin Blake Centre for Book Illustration, is the first ever retrospective of the influential author-illustrator.
Norman Thelwell Saves the Planet
Cartoon Museum, London
27 April to 3 September 2023
Published in 1971, The Effluent Society by Norman Thelwell spoke about modern life and how the progress of humanity has led to us having an impact on the world. The Cartoon Museum is celebrating this important work in 2023 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Thelwell’s birth and Methuen Publishing re-releasing the book over 50 years since it was first written.
Oxford Fine Press Book Fair
Examinations Schools, Oxford
9 and 10 December 2023
Annual book fair specialising in fine press, arists books, illustrated books, etc. Organised by the Fine Press Book Association.
