As if by magic, Mr Benn appears in exhibition of late author's characters

An exhibition is showcasing the work of the late author behind children's favourites including Mr Benn, King Rollo and Elmer the Elephant.

Original artworks of David McKee have been loaned to St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in Lymington, Hampshire, by the family of the artist, who died in 2022.

Some of his illustrations depict stories that were written but never televised, including one in which Mr Benn visits a prison.

McKee's son, Brett, said Mr Benn's home of Festive Road was based on the actual road where their family had lived.

"He based it on people who were around at the time," Brett said.

"Kids did sometimes make jokes you know, walk past and impersonate Mr Benn's walk because he had an odd walk.

"If he could make someone feel happier, or bring a bit of positivity into their day, then he'd go away feeling good about himself."

Gallery curator Steve Marshall organised the exhibition and said the original artwork had a lot to offer.

"You see these things reproduced on TV or in the books and they look wonderful but when you see the originals, the sharpness and intensity of colour and all the detail, it jumps off the page at you and I think that's really exciting," Marshall said.

The exhibition includes McKee's other creations, including King Rollo, whose stories were also adapted for television.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant was published as a series of books, though only one was televised.

In the 1980s, McKee illustrated a series of Paddington books.

Marshall said the exhibition evoked nostalgia for generations who watched the programmes when they were children.

"It immediately takes people back to their childhood and warm, happy memories. Childhood memories and formative memories stay with you for a long, long time," he added.