Ardizzone: A Retrospective
Main Gallery, House of Illustration
23 September 2016 – 22 January 2017
The first major Ardizzone exhibition for 40 years
Content warning: This page contains depictions of weaponry.
Edward Ardizzone is one of the most significant illustrators of the 20th century, whose wide-ranging output spanned children's books, literary classics, war illustration and much more.
Ardizzone’s lively line-and-wash drawings were based on constant observation of the world and disciplined by classical figure composition.
He is best known for his illustrated children’s books, in particular the ‘Little Tim’ series which he wrote and illustrated, starting in 1936 with Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain, all of which are still in print today.
This exhibition charted his career from relatively unknown early commissions to rarely seen original illustrations. It featured over 100 pieces from public and private collections reflecting the incredible diversity of his work.
Highlights included a Little Tim manuscript, mural artwork for a P&O ocean liner, ceramic figurines and poster designs for Lyons, as well as sketchbooks and illustrated correspondence.
"It's a gem of an exhibition; for fans of Ardizzone, and we are legion, it's a must." The Spectator
Co-curated by Alan Powers, author of Edward Ardizzone: Artist and Illustrator, published by Lund Humphries.
Generously supported by the Exhibition Supporters Group.