This summer, the Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery is proud to present Michael Rosen: The Illustrators, a brand new exhibition curated by the Heath Robsinson Museum, exploring Michael Rosen’s books and the many talented artists who have illustrated them throughout his 50 year career.
From grizzly bears to grumpy teachers, meet a whacky cast of characters and enter the wonderful world of Michael Rosen’s imagination. Featuring illustrators such as Quentin Blake, Helen Oxenbury, Chris Riddell, and many more, learn how artists interpret poems, rhymes and stories. See watercolour, ink, and collage artworks in person – as well as early drafts, sketches and ideas shown alongside text from Michael Rosen’s books.
Location:
Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
Cost:
Free, donations welcome
Dates:
12 Jul 2025 - 2 Nov 2025
Category:
Exhibition
Michael Rosen (b. 1946) is one of Britain’s best-loved authors, having created children’s classics such as We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Mind Your Own Business. His children’s stories, memoirs and poetry collections continue to delight children in schools, libraries, and at bedtime all around the world – along with the illustrations that enrich them. This exhibition will bring the writer’s characters, scenes, and pictures to the forefront by displaying illustrations by Quentin Blake, Helen Oxenbury, Chris Riddell, Korky Paul, and many more wonderful artists! Visitors can expect to uncover the story of Rosen’s illustrious career, as well as the process of illustrating children’s books and each illustrator’s approach to telling these fantastic stories. Expect to see original works of art for such titles including We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Michael Rosen’s Sad Book and Michael Rosen’s Book of Nonsense!
Banner image: Illustration © Korky Paul