This summer John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories exhibition opens at the National Trust, Mottisfont in Hampshire on 20th July and runs until 29th September.
John’s work with its imagination, warmth and gentle humour sits perfectly alongside this artistic heritage. The exhibition will show work from Husherbye, Oii get off our train, The Way to the Zoo, My Gumpy’s Outing, Borka, Simp and Courtney. The connection with John’s depiction and love of the countryside is perfectly reflected in Mottisfont’s rural setting and beautiful gardens, along with the river Test which winds through the grounds. There will be a garden trail featuring Mr Gumpy’s Outing and Come away from the water, Shirley.
Mottisfont has a rich history of artists and art from between the First and Second World Wars when the owner Maud Russell held house parties inviting her artistic and actor friends to stay for weekend parties. Maud Russell’s friend, the artist Rex Whistler was commissioned to create a unique backdrop for the stylish drawing room. The result is his spectacular and witty trompe l’oeil murals, light-heartedly reflecting Mottisfont’s origins. Whistler painted columns, ledges and moulded plasterwork and even a painting of his paint pot and brush.
National Trust Mottisfont House near Romsey in Hampshire
Below: Installation views of the exhibition, with 60 original artworks, large vinyl scenes on the walls and a ‘Magic Bed’!
Above: Frog resting in his hammock from Husherbye 1992
Mr.Gumpy is taking his boat out, from Mr.Gumpy’s Outing, 1970
Publishing enquiries: Clare Conville, Conville Walsh
Exhibition and artwork enquiries: Selina Skipwith
Press, marketing, events and other enquiries: Philippa Perry
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