A PARTNERSHIP that revolutionised children’s picture books will be celebrated in a new family exhibition at Mottisfont this summer.
Happy Families: Adventures with the Ahlbergs is an immersive and interactive exhibition and outdoor themed trail celebrating the stories of Janet and Allan Ahlberg, with illustrations selected from the family archives.
There will be more than 150 exhibits on display, including original hand-made components of innovative ‘movable’ book The Jolly Postman and insights into 14 children's classics like Each Peach Pear Plum, Peepo and Burglar Bill.
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Families can enjoy cosy reading spaces, Mrs Wobble’s café, and helping The Jolly Postman to deliver his letters.
The exhibition also includes never shown before illustrations from It Was a Dark and Stormy Night, and Starting School.
The National Trust show is the biggest ever retrospective of the Ahlbergs’ work and includes never shown before illustrations from It Was a Dark and Stormy Night and Starting School.
Janet and Allan worked together for over 20 years, publishing 38 books and winning numerous awards and accolades.
Daughter Jessica Ahlberg, the inspiration for several books, said: "I'm so happy and excited about this exhibition. My dad and stepmum visited Mottisfont a few years ago, and said how beautiful it is, and what a wonderful space it is to show artwork.
"I think this exhibition is going to be a lot of fun for young visitors; the curators have put so much thought into entertaining everyone, from babies to adults. I can't wait to bring my own children!"
A summer holiday activity trail will take children on an adventure around the grounds as they enjoy challenges and games inspired by the imagination of the Ahlbergs.
Narrated in Allan’s own words, visitors can explore how the Ahlbergs combined their ideas, words and preliminary sketches to produce stories that enriched the early reading experience for children.
Allan’s enchanting wordplay and Janet’s intricate illustrations created books that melded fantasy with realism, producing stories influenced by both classic fairy tales, nursery rhymes and every day family life.
Happy Families: Adventures with the Ahlbergs will be at Mottisfont from July 22 to November 5.
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