Brian Wildsmith Exhibition

Nina recently went back to her home town of Barnsley, to visit the exhibition of the world famous children’s book author and illustrator Brian Wildsmith. For the first time Brian’s personal collection of original illustrations and paintings are on display across two exhibitions at the Cooper Gallery and Experience Barnsley which is located in the Town Hall. 

On display were over 40 original artworks, all filled with vivid colour and characters, in an illustrative style so recognisable from Brian’s beloved books, like ABC, Jungle Party and Professor Noah’s spaceship.

As well as a display of the current fabric collaboration with Liberty, where the studio team have reimagined his portfolio of charming illustrations and visual storytelling into a collection of colourful textiles. 

Here are a few of Nina’s highlights from the two exhibitions, but the photographs do not do the level of detail and layers of mark making justice and therefore we recommend a visit.

This free exhibition is on until 4th January 2025 and so you’ve no excuse not to visit!