To celebrate our favourite children's book publisher's 100th birthday, House of Illustration presents a magical summer exhibition that features over 120 original illustrations from the most successful Ladybird series.
Why do we love Ladybird?
Presenting a utopian image of a hard working British post-war society, Ladybird books and their illustrations opened up their readers’ imaginations to a world of education, possibility and ambition during their golden years in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and early 80s. With their educational focus on history, nature, technology and society, the Ladybird series remain much loved today by both children and adults alike.
Lovers of social history, especially those of us at Culture Whisper who didn't themselves grow up in the 50s and 60s, were struck not only by the artistry and beauty of the original illustrations, but by the different stories and narratives that were being taught to our parents when compared to the progressive narratives we tell our children today: mother goes shopping and father fixes the car is unlikely to make its way into a 21st century children's book. Those interested in the history traditional, stereotypical gender roles and class divisions in working life are offered a fascinating insight into the atmosphere and thoughts of British society and public services of the period.
The exhibition is likely to interest older children who can engage with the illustrations both as art and as bits of history, and may even learn something about how batteries work whilst they're at it.
Ladybird by Design exhibition
Co-curated by Lawrence Zeegen and Jane Won,Ladybird by Design displays specifically commissioned illustrations by well-known illustrators such as Charles Tunnicliffe and Martin Aitchison amongst others. Be sure to admire the illustrations from the celebrated What to Look for, Key Words and People at Work series that have shaped early learning for generations.
Ladybird by design is a concise and nostalgic retrospective of our nation’s treasured childhood series that is well worth a visit if you're looking for things to do in north London this summer. We strongly recommend a visit, although to be aware that the construction work at Kings Cross can make locating the building a bit of challenge to give yourself plenty of time.
Why do we love Ladybird?
Presenting a utopian image of a hard working British post-war society, Ladybird books and their illustrations opened up their readers’ imaginations to a world of education, possibility and ambition during their golden years in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and early 80s. With their educational focus on history, nature, technology and society, the Ladybird series remain much loved today by both children and adults alike.
Lovers of social history, especially those of us at Culture Whisper who didn't themselves grow up in the 50s and 60s, were struck not only by the artistry and beauty of the original illustrations, but by the different stories and narratives that were being taught to our parents when compared to the progressive narratives we tell our children today: mother goes shopping and father fixes the car is unlikely to make its way into a 21st century children's book. Those interested in the history traditional, stereotypical gender roles and class divisions in working life are offered a fascinating insight into the atmosphere and thoughts of British society and public services of the period.
The exhibition is likely to interest older children who can engage with the illustrations both as art and as bits of history, and may even learn something about how batteries work whilst they're at it.
Ladybird by Design exhibition
Co-curated by Lawrence Zeegen and Jane Won,Ladybird by Design displays specifically commissioned illustrations by well-known illustrators such as Charles Tunnicliffe and Martin Aitchison amongst others. Be sure to admire the illustrations from the celebrated What to Look for, Key Words and People at Work series that have shaped early learning for generations.
Ladybird by design is a concise and nostalgic retrospective of our nation’s treasured childhood series that is well worth a visit if you're looking for things to do in north London this summer. We strongly recommend a visit, although to be aware that the construction work at Kings Cross can make locating the building a bit of challenge to give yourself plenty of time.
| What | Ladybird by Design, House of Illustration |
| Where | House of Illustration, 2 Granary Square, London, N1C 4BH | MAP |
| Nearest tube | King's Cross St. Pancras (underground) |
| When |
10 Jul 15 – 27 Sep 15, 10:00 - 18:00 Tuesday - Sunday Closed Mondays |
| Price | £7.70 adult with gift aid, £5.50 concessions with gift aid |
| Website | Click here to book tickets |
