“[To be an illustrator] you have to be a mini actor. If the figure is to walk jauntily with its nose in the air, you have to imagine what that feels like. You have to be the person and observe the person, and do both these things at once." Raymond Briggs

With never-before-seen artwork, this exhibition revealed the working practice of the author-illustrator behind some of the most popular and influential children’s books and graphic novels ever published.

Raymond Briggs was best-known for The Snowman (1978), which has sold more than 5.5 million copies in 21 countries and inspired an animated feature film. However, over a 60-year career, Briggs created illustrated books on a wide variety of themes, from family relationships and grief to social mobility and political satire. His books have inspired, challenged and entertained readers of all ages, and some have been the source of controversy.

This exhibition displayed illustrations from Briggs’s pioneering titles, including silent picturebook The Snowman, and autobiographical graphic novel Ethel and Ernest. Amongst these were also his drawings, hand-lettered typography and page designs from his earliest commissions to his 2004 book The Puddleman.

Co-curated by Nicolette Jones.

This exhibition featured original pieces courtesy of the illustrator (now Estate of Raymond Briggs) and Penguin Random House.

Briggs very sadly passed away while this exhibition was on tour. If you would like to read our tribute to him, please click here: Remembering Raymond Briggs