AN exhibition of the work of a classic children's illustrator and author has proved popular with families.

National Trust’s Mottisfont, just outside Romsey, is hosting the family-friendly exhibition and activity trail to celebrate the work of John Burningham.

The collection includes more than 150 artworks from a selection of the 70 picture books Mr Burningham published. 

His Bedtime Stories exhibition and outdoor activity trail started on Saturday, July 20 and runs until Sunday, September 29. 

John Burningham exhibition (Image: Newsquest)

Exhibition curator Sue Laws explained the thinking behind the collection. She said: “We've had our gallery here since 2011 and every summer we put on a programme which will engage children. This year it's John Burningham, so we choose an illustrator or a group of illustrators or writers who appeal to children. 

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“I grew up with John Burningham's stories, I've always wanted to have an exhibition of his work. We chose John Burningham because his artwork is so recognisable, he had a very long career. He wrote and illustrated his own books and there is a huge range of books.”

She added: ”Some are real classics, but we've also introduced some books that are a little bit less known. So hopefully people can learn more about John's work. He wrote 70 books. We have more than 150 artworks which is the most we've ever had because it was so difficult to choose.

“We have also made the exhibition quite immersive, so people have places to sit to read his books. We have had a lot of families come with grandparents reading to grandchildren. One of the books we have featured is The Magic Bed which is about a little boy called Georgie who gets a second hand bed, and there is a magic word associated with this bed that means he flies off every night and has an adventure. So we have a bed for people to lay in and read the story.

John Burningham outdoor trail (Image: Newsquest)

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“The outdoor trail can be done in any order. One of the areas is based on the book Cannonball Simp which is about a dog who ends up at a circus. So we have a circus training area where you can practice your juggling and tightrope walking. 

“We have a lovely trail along the river for Mr Gumpy where children get to act out the story.”

Ms Laws said: “The reaction from people has been very positive. People are really loving the artwork and they are buying the books because they want to keep reading the stories when they leave. We have lots of children running around in pirate hats.”

Illustrator, author and journalist Nicolette Jones knew Mr Burningham before his death in 2019. She said: “There are some real nursery classics like Mr Gumpy's Outing and Avocado Baby, everyone reads them. I interviewed him several times on platforms in front of an audience, he was great fun and a wonderful character. He was quite a practical joker. He was a proper artist. He didn't talk down to children, he respected them.”

For more information about Mottisfont visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont or call 01794 340757.