Renowned illustrator launches summer exhibition at Museum of Somerset

Axel Scheffler is the creative force behind some of the most instantly recognisable characters in children’s books – from The Gruffalo to Stick Man and beyond.

Axel has been working with the museum to create a new exhibition that features artwork from across his prolific career.

During his visit, on Wednesday, July 19, Axel led a session with children from Oake, Bradford, and Nynehead Primary School.

Schoolchildren visited the exhibition (Image: Contributed)

He read the book, ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’ and gave a live drawing demonstration. Axel signed books and the children had a chance to ask their own questions.

Axel himself has education roots in the West Country having studied at Bath Academy of Art in Corsham, Wiltshire.

Axel said: “I’m grateful that I’ve been lucky enough to have a ‘life in illustration’ and I hope that many children feel encouraged by this exhibition to become creative themselves.”

Exhibitions Manager Sarah Cox added: “Meeting Axel was an inspirational experience for these young people who know and love his work.

“The exhibition is already proving hugely popular with visitors, with hundreds of families visiting in the first couple of weeks of opening.”

In the evening, Museum trustees, staff, supporters, and local councillors were joined by representatives from the publishers Macmillan Children’s Books.

'Axel Scheffler: A Life in Illustration' is open at the Museum of Somerset, Tuesday to Saturday, until October 28. It is free to visit.

The exhibition has been created in partnership with Events of Wonder with support from the publishers Macmillan Children’s Books and Scholastic Children’s Books.