Tove Jansson and her Families 

Uncovering the personal relationships behind the celebrated artist, Tove Jansson and her Families (21 November – 9 May 2027) will look at the people who shaped Finnish author-illustrator Tove Jansson’s life and work (1914–2001) – the UK’s first ever exhibition to focus on Tove Jansson’s work as an illustrator.

Previously unseen drawings will be on display along with over 100 rarely shown sketches, paintings, illustrations and photographs from Tove and those closest to her.

Original art depicting the origins of the beloved Moomins will be on show, including scraps from the first published Moomin book. Visitors will be able to spot hidden Moomins throughout her work.

Visitors will also glimpse into Tove’s wider life, from the influence of her graphic designer mother, to her early work for satirical magazine Garm and contribution to Finland’s post-war public realm effort by creating large-scale public murals to help rebuild the country – one of which will be displayed in the UK for the first time.

Visitors will see how the close communities that surrounded Tove influenced her work, including her most famous and enduring family, the Moomins.

“Tove’s extended Moomin cast are intimately inspired by her family, friends and lovers in Helsinki’s cultural circles and lesbian community. Brilliant across so many literary and artistic expressions, her lifelong celebration of inclusivity and individuality has never been more inspiring and necessary.”

– Co-curator Paul Gravett