John Burningham’s critically acclaimed picture books are loved all over the world. Born in Farnham, Surrey. Burningham spent his childhood living in a caravan, immersed in the remote countryside around Gloucester. After attending several ‘alternative’ boarding schools, he studied illustration at the Central School of Art, where in 1964 he met fellow illustrator Helen Oxenbury, who he would later marry.

After travelling and producing a range of posters for London Transport, Burningham released his debut children’s book Borka in 1963. It won the Kate Greenaway Medal as the best illustrated book of the year. A year later, Burningham collaborated with Ian Fleming on

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, designing the model of the famous car. He won numerous awards and created over 50 children’s books throughout his 60-year career.

This exhibition has been organised with the support of The Estate of John Burningham, which was set up by John’s family to keep awareness of his books and work alive.