Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective

With never-before-seen artwork, this touring exhibition from the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration delves into the work of the author-illustrator behind some of the UK’s most influential children’s books and graphic novels.

“[To be an illustrator] you have to be a mini actor. If the figure is to walk jauntily with its nose in the air, you have to imagine what that feels like. You have to be the person and observe the person, and do both these things at once.” Raymond Briggs

Raymond Briggs is best-known for silent picturebook The Snowman (1978). But over a 60-year career, Briggs has created illustrated books on themes from family relationships and grief to social mobility and political satire.

This exhibition includes work from Briggs’s pioneering titles, including The Snowman, and autobiographical graphic novel Ethel and Ernest. On show are his drawings, hand-lettered typography and page designs from his earliest commissions to his 2004 book The Puddleman.

Co-curated by Nicolette Jones.

This exhibition features original illustrations courtesy of Raymond Briggs and Penguin Random House.

Suggested donation £3. For more details and tickets click here or visit website