Yahoo News Unseen work by The Snowman creator Raymond Briggs goes on display
A museum has unveiled never-seen-before belongings and artwork from The Snowman author and illustrator.
Raymond Briggs’ writing and drawing desk, which he used for more than 40 years, is among the items on display at Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft.
The insight into Raymond’s life, including 100 original artworks from his 60-year career, is being showcased a mile from his home in the village of Westmeston.
Raymond based his hit children’s book The Snowman, which was made into a film, in the Sussex countryside.
The exhibition – Bloomin’ Brilliant: The Life and Work of Raymond Briggs – is showing unseen artwork for Father Christmas On Holiday, alongside other titles including The Snowman, Fungus The Bogeyman and When The Wind Blows.
Raymond died in August 2022 at the age of 88 and this is the first such exhibition since his death.
A museum spokeswoman said: “These will all join hundreds of artworks that show why Raymond Briggs was – and still is – viewed as one of the most exceptional draughtsman and storytellers that this country has produced, with innovative journeys of both the magical and seemingly mundane, from monsters, flying snowmen and minuscule humans to heartfelt relationships, real-life war and a hard-working Father Christmas.”
The exhibition is on at Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft until October 27 this year (Image: Simon Dack)
The exhibition includes work from Raymond’s most famous books including Father Christmas.
Also on show will be his drawings, typography and page designs from his earliest commissions to his 2004 book The Puddleman.
His belongings give a sense of who he was and his playful response to his fame.
Raymond Briggs' writing and drawing desk which he used for more than 40 years is on display (Image: Simon Dack)
They include a faux blue plaque outlining his commitment to practical jokes.
Museum director Steph Fuller said: “It has been a privilege to be invited by Raymond Briggs’ estate to visit his home and select objects for this exhibition.
“Being in his studio amongst his drawing materials, family photographs and notes to self, it feels as though he might have just stepped out and could return at any moment. I hope we’re able to convey something of that feeling to visitors.”
The exhibition opened on Saturday and runs until October 27.
