AN exhibition of artwork by one of the UK’s most popular authors and illustrators will be hosted at in the North East this month.

David McKee, who died last year, created many iconic characters who were brought to live in bestselling books, including Elmer the Elephant, Mr Benn and King Rollo.

Now a major retrospective of the illustrator and author’s work, Elmer and Friends, the Colourful World of David McKee, will open at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (SMWG) on Monday, September 11.

The Northern Echo: Elmer the Elephant will form a major element of the exhibition of artwork by David McKeeElmer the Elephant will form a major element of the exhibition of artwork by David McKee (Image: SUNDERLAND CULTURE)

The exhibition was originally curated by Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, in partnership with publisher Andersen Press, in 2019 to celebrate 30 years of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, and was the first major retrospective of David McKee’s striking artwork.

Elmer remains one of the most widely read children’s book series of all time, selling more than ten million copies worldwide since the first book was first published by Andersen Press in 1989. The Elmer books have been translated into more than 60 languages.

The first stop in the free exhibition is Elmer’s World, where visitors can walk through Elmer’s jungle encountering characters and stories along the way.

The Northern Echo: Elmer the Elephant will form a major element of the exhibition of artwork by David McKeeElmer the Elephant will form a major element of the exhibition of artwork by David McKee (Image: SUNDERLAND CULTURE)

As well as illustrations from the Elmer series there will be original artwork from David’s other children’s classics Not Now, Bernard, Mr Benn, and King Rollo, plus the opportunity to visit the fancy dress costume shop featured in the legendary Mr Benn TV series and books.

Jo Cunningham, exhibitions, collections and archives manager at SMWG, said: “David McKee created many of the most popular characters created for children’s books in recent years, and the exhibition will be as popular with mums, dads and carers as it will be with young visitors.

The Northern Echo: Elmer the Elephant will form a major element of the exhibition of artwork by David McKeeElmer the Elephant will form a major element of the exhibition of artwork by David McKee (Image: SUNDERLAND CULTURE)

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"Elmer's appeal has proven to be timeless and universal, opening up conversations around diversity and self-acceptance.”

To complement the exhibition, SMWG has organised an exciting family learning and participation programme.

For more information, go to https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/elmer-and-friends-the-colourful-world-of-david-mckee/