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This Easter we are delighted to present a special showcase feature celebrating elephants in children's literature. From Jill Murphy's much-loved Large Family, to David McKee's iconic patchwork Elmer, this collection brings together some of the most famous elephants in illustration. Reputedly one of the hardest animals to draw, this varied selection of original artwork portrays the different approaches artists have taken to capture the characteristics of this strong, beautiful and playful creature.

The collection includes a colourful array of trunks, trumpets and a fair share of splashing, perfect for elephant-lovers of all ages. Other illustrators featured include Christopher Wormell, Shirley Hughes, John Vernon-Lord, Emily Sutton, Robert Ingpen, Tomislav Tomić and Sandy Nightingale. Signed copies of Jill Murphy's Large Family books are also be available for purchase.

SPRING CLEANING WITH SHIRLEY
5 TO 29 MARCH 2018

NEW WORK FROM THE PERSONAL ARCHIVE OF SHIRLEY HUGHES
With the dawn of spring creeping ever-closer across our wintry horizon we are delighted to join forces with our favourite author and illustrator Shirley Hughes, and brush off the cobwebs of winter.

Always one to embrace the sunshine Shirley has already started her seasonal nettoyage, and we join her in wielding the boom in a spring cleaning bonanza of her studio and plan chest.

As such we are delighted to present from the depths of her private collection 9 freshly-seen and never before exhibited character studies. Original artwork that Shirley has produced in her oeuvre of Alfie and Annie Rose books.

These new pieces are truly some of the best we have seen, highly detailed and meticulously produced works, they epitomise the skill, ability and raw talent of Shirley Hughes’ towering contribution to books, education and the rich cultural heritage of Great Britain and beyond.

For those of you unaware, Shirley donated her life's artwork to The Bodleian Library in Oxford, where all original artwork and hand-written manuscripts are now saved for the nation. So these rare occasions when artwork is released from her private collection at home are a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to acquire her original art.

Now over 90 Shirley is still working, and plans a new book to be published later this year.

We are very fortunate to represent and exhibit some of the great names of illustration here at the gallery - this brief introduction shows some of the leading lights of illustration art, from the early twentieth century right up to the present day.