Art Exhibition

About

Elmer and Mr Benn: the Magic of David McKee
11 July – 6 September

St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery is delighted to announce Elmer, Mr Benn… the magic of David McKee, a vibrant new exhibition celebrating one of Britain's most beloved and influential author–illustrators. Bringing together previously unseen original artworks, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the imagination, humour and heart of the creator behind Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, Mr Benn, King Rollo and many more unforgettable characters.

For more than 40 years, David McKee shaped the landscape of children's picture books. His stories—playful, warm and gently profound—have captivated generations, from pre-schoolers encountering Elmer for the first time to grandparents revisiting the world of Mr Benn. Best known for the joyful, patchwork elephant who longs to belong, McKee's stories carry timeless messages of inclusivity, kindness and acceptance. His bold colours and distinctive visual style remain instantly recognisable.

Alongside his own creations, McKee also illustrated works by other leading authors, including several of Michael Bond's Paddington Bear stories, enriching British children's literature with his unmistakable style.
From the beginning of his career, McKee pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling. Across his books, certain hallmarks appear again and again: a seamless interplay of words and pictures; witty, gently subversive humour; and deeply held values of kindness, equality and pacifism, expressed softly but with conviction. His adult characters—most notably Mr Benn and King Rollo—were approachable figures whose adventures gave young readers a sense of agency and possibility.

One of McKee's most enduring creations, Mr Benn, lives a quiet life on Festive Road until a visit to a mysterious fancy-dress shop transforms everything. With each costume he tries on, Mr Benn steps through a magic door into a world of adventure—from jungles to distant lands—before returning home, changed in subtle but meaningful ways. These stories later inspired the much-loved BBC animated series, written and illustrated by McKee himself.

Throughout his career, McKee was always on the side of the child. His illustrations brim with hidden details and subtle jokes for young readers to discover; his messages are never heavy-handed; and he never underestimates his audience. His books invite children to explore, question and imagine—quietly empowering them along the way.

Elmer, Mr Benn… the magic of David McKee celebrates the legacy of an artist whose work continues to inspire creativity, courage and compassion. This joyful and thought-provoking exhibition will appeal to families, art lovers and anyone who has ever been enchanted by the world of David McKee.

Open Daily 10-4 - YES, we are open on SUNDAYS during the Summer Holidays!
Young People (5-17) £1 | Under 5s free | Adults £7 | Concessions £6

The following exhibition is:
Sven Berlin: Disturbance in the West. (1934 – 1970)
12 September – 16 January 2027
A new exhibition, opening in September 2026 at St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery, Lymington will reveal the provocative impact made by legendary artist Sven Berlin (1911-1999) on both art and social history in Cornwall and the New Forest.