“There is a misconception that picture books for children should be packed with colour and decoration on every page. This is like saying a successful piece of music should be crammed full of loud notes. It’s the juxtaposition and build-up of sound that makes music interesting.”

John Burningham talking
about the Shirley books
Long before the powerful voices of the Thunberg generation were even dreamt of, John Burningham saw children as being not only deeply aware, but as the antidote to the destruction
'Humbert' belongs to a bygone era, with horse-drawn carts, stables and Lord Mayor's of London travelling the square mile with considerable pagentry
Wanderlust was part of John Burningham’s life from early on. During the war, he travelled the country in a caravan with his parents and sisters, setting up camp in idyllic
John Burningham is always on the side of the child. In fact, whilst his work may appear naïve in style, it is highly sophisticated in conception
Mr Gumpy is going to take his boat out. The children want to come along, so does the cat, and the dog, the sheep, the goat, the pig… all come
John Burningham - An Illustrated Life. 2022 retrospective exhibition of John Burningham's work at Burgh House in Hampstead