With their perfect synthesis of typography, design and illustration, Soviet children’s books in the 1920s and 1930s revolutionised the picture book form against the turbulent political backdrop of the Russian revolution of 1917.

Exhibited for the first time in the UK, a selection of rare books and original works from the unparalleled collection of Sasha Lurye provided a window on this fertile and fascinating moment in 20th century illustration.

The exhibition explored this period of unprecedented innovation, from pre-revolutionary Russian illustration to the pioneers of Soviet children's publishing.

There are illustrations of folk tales, poetry, educational volumes, extremely rare hand-printed editions and Jewish books illustrated by Marc Chagall and El Lissitzky, all brought to life with bold colours, dynamic shapes and playful layouts.

It featured rarely-seen work by some of the most influential figures of the age, including Vladimir Tambi, sisters Olga and Galina Chichagova, and Vladimir Lebedev, whose avant garde illustrations for prominent poet and translator Samuil Marshak such as Circus and Luggage have become iconic.

"One of the 10 hottest tickets in town." Evening Standard. "A visual treat for readers young and old." Times Literary Supplement. 

"Fascinating." Eye Magazine

Critics' choice, Financial Times and Daily Telegraph

"An extraordinary revelation ... a highly unusual and special exhibition. ★★★★★" The Lady

"Another exhibition from House of Illustration packed with interesting stories and fantastic drawings. They're on a roll." Londonist