Exhibition: Telling Tales

Saturday 24th July 2010 – Monday 13th September 2010

Best-selling children's book author and illustrator Babette Cole is one of the exhibiting artists featured in Otterton Mill Gallery's summer exhibition "Telling Tales".  The exhibition showcases seven West Country artists who work with illustration or tell stories through their art.  The collection is designed to capture the imagination of visitors of all ages, with works ranging from original drawings and prints to textile dolls and tiny working automata.

Babette Cole is the multi award-winning author/illustrator behind such children's classics as Princess Smartypants and Doctor Dog.  Her zany, lively artwork is instantly recognisable and has made her a household name in the world of picture books. Born in Jersey in 1950, Babette spent her childhood drawing pictures and writing stories.  She gained a first class honours degree at Canterbury Art School before working for the BBC on Jackanory and other TV comics.  She subsequently became an author/illustrator and has had a phenomenally successful career with over 70 book publications to her name, including the million-seller Mummy Laid An Egg.  Babette now lives in Dorset, where she also runs a stud farm. 

We are delighted to be exhibiting a number of Babette's original drawings at the Mill.  Children will recognise characters from Princess Smartypants, If I Were You and Hair in Funny Places.  We are particularly pleased to be showing the original cover illustration from Fetlocks Hall:  The Unicorn Princess, which was published by Bloomsbury in May this year.  Fetlocks Hall is the first title in Babette's brand-new pony school series, which combines ponies and magic in a fun fantasy storyline. 

The exhibition also features a number of prints of Babette's book illustrations, plus an extensive range of her books and cards.

As part of the exhibition, Babette will be holding a book-signing at the Mill on Saturday 11^th September between  2.30pm  to 4pm.   Adults and children of all ages are invited to come along to meet Babette and ask her lots of questions!  

Alongside Babette's work, the exhibition features two other children's book illustrators, Louise Prentice and Sarah Warburton.

Louise Prentice is another award-winning illustrator, who was voted "Best New Talent" by Egmont Publishers.  She works from her studio in Devon, and is inspired by everyday details, dreams and conversations. Louise likes to work in various mediums and is currently working with mixed media to illustrate her first picture book for Egmont.  Louise is showing a range of prints at the Mill.

Sarah Warburton has been illustrating for 16 years since graduating with first class honours from Bristol UWE.  She is best known for her illustrations of the best-selling books featuring Rumblewick, the witch's cat, by author Hiawyn Oram.  The character has just been signed up by Dreamworks for a new animated film.  Sarah has also illustrated Sir Laughalot for author Tony Mitton, and the series of Happy Ever After books with writer Tony Bradman.  Sarah works with a variety of media, including digital colour.  A number of her giclee prints are showcased in the exhibition.

The Mill exhibition also features 3D works by textile artist Hesta Singlewood, and toy-makers Laurence and Angela St Leger. 

Hesta is showing a showing a selection of her exquisitely detailed doll-like figures, made from vintage fabric, wire and muslin.  Hesta's training as a horticulturalist and florist, then maker of wedding headdresses, as well as her experience of adopting two children have all inspired and influenced her work, and led to her creation of her enchanting and beautiful characters.

Laurence and Angela St Leger create some of the most appealing miniatures in the world.  Their tiny automata, powered by the pull of an almost invisible wire or a tiny crank, bring a smile to everyone who sees them.  The brightly painted selection of toys on display at the Mill stand just one inch tall, and mimic traditional, classic toys of a bygone era.  The exhibits include Samson Strongman, Penguin, Waddling Ducks and a Jar of Swimming Tadpoles!  The St Leger automata have been widely exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Europe, America and Asia. 

This is a fun and captivating collection of work by a number of outstandingly talented local artists.   The work appeals to the child in all of us, whether we're 6 or 60 years of age.  As ever, we're delighted to showcase at the Mill the wealth of creative excellence that is found in the South West. 

The exhibition runs daily until Monday 13^th September.  Entry is free.