Drawing Words is a new exhibition of children’s book illustration commissioned by the British Council and curated by the Waterstones UK Children’s Laureate, Lauren Child. The British Council Cultural Centre is bringing this exhibition to Dhaka and Cox’s Bazaar for the young readers to explore a new world of joyful illustrations.
The Drawing Words exhibition brings together some of the most exciting children's book illustration to come out of the UK in recent years.
While Peter Rabbit, Paddington Bear and Winnie the Pooh are universally recognised and demonstrate the rich history of children’s book illustration in the UK, Drawing Words looks to the future.
The ten illustrators showcased here have been selected for their distinctly personal and unique work, to offer a snapshot of the vibrant work being produced today.
Let us hear from Lauren about why she picked them for this exhibition.
About the exhibition
Drawing Words is inspired by Magic Pencil, a touring exhibition of children’s book illustration selected by the first UK Children’s Laureate, Quentin Blake, in 2002, which included Lauren Child’s early work. Drawing Words is an opportunity for us to look again at children’s picture book illustration and discover a new generation of books and artists. The Drawing Words exhibition is designed in the UK by the innovative Etcetera Studio with graphic design by Regular Practice.
Some of the illustrators in Drawing Words are established artists developing their practice while others are at the beginning of their careers, pushing the boundaries of the art form in new and exciting ways. The diversity of approach is striking, and each illustrator uses different techniques to tell stories that show new perspectives on the world around us.
Visit the exhibition
The exhibition has been travelling all over the world. Currently, it is on show in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar.
The exhibition will take place at the British Council Fuller Road office from 28 June to 11 July 2019. We will hold a two-day exhibition at the District Government Public Library in Cox's Bazar on 29 - 30 June 2019.
Find out more about each of the featured artists and see some of their images on our exclusive website.
