RARELY-seen Beatrix Potter illustrations and early manuscripts from The Tale of Peter Rabbit feature in a new exhibition at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum which opens later this month.
The Peter Rabbit: Mischief and Mayhem exhibition visits Rugby from January 26 to April 27 on its national tour.
The exhibition celebrates Beatrix Potter’s most famous character – created in her 1902 story – by exploring Peter Rabbit through the ages, featuring original artworks, first editions and early merchandise.
Mischief and Mayhem also encourages visitors to get involved – helping Mrs Tiggle-Winkle hang up the laundry, visiting Mrs Rabbit in her burrow and planting carrots in Mr McGregor’s garden.
Children can also dress up as Peter Rabbit or curl up with a book in the story corner.
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s senior visual arts officer Katie Boyce said: “The Tale of Peter Rabbit has fired the imaginations of children for more than a century and we’re really looking forward to delving deeper into Beatrix Potter’s magical world.
“We have organised a wide range of family-friendly events and activities to support the exhibition throughout its stay in Rugby, so Peter Rabbit can entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.”
The exhibition is curated by Penguin Ventures, part of Penguin Random House, and The River and Rowing Museum.
It has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which awarded the River and Rowing Museum a grant of more than £17,000.
Sarah Glenn, commercial curator for Penguin Ventures, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to show Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit in a new light in this exhibition, in a way people may not have previously considered.”
Natalie Patel, head of collections at the River and Rowing Museum, said: “The exhibition is highly interactive and family-friendly, featuring a specially developed activity area where children of all ages can learn while they play.”
Coun Sebastian Lowe, Rugby Borough Council’s growth and investment spokesman, said: “We’re delighted to host such a high-profile exhibition to open Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s 2019 programme.
“The Tale of Peter Rabbit has a special place in the hearts of generations of children, and this exhibition pays a fitting tribute to Beatrix Potter’s enduring legacy.”
Visit www.ragm.co.uk for more information about the exhibition and the supporting programme of events and activities.
