The Postal Museum’s latest temporary exhibition is now open, and the Echo was lucky enough to get a sneak peek before it officially welcomed its first public visitors.
By Penny Dampier
The Postal Museum’s latest temporary exhibition is now open, and the Echo was lucky enough to get a sneak peek before it officially welcomed its first public visitors.
The exhibition design and layout is modular, which means you can walk around it in any direction you like. The spacious feel, and lack of partition walls mean it’s especially suited for families with young children. Kids can happily play with the interactive aspects of the display while parents can read all about the inspiration and original ideas and sketches for this classic children’s book series.
Divided into areas relating to each fairytale character, you can explore the worlds of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, the Witch’s house and more.
The first Jolly Postman book – The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters – was innovative when it was first published in 1986 as it was the first to pair different fairytale characters together in the same story. It was also the first to include pop-up inserts. Children love being able to pull out the actual letters in the books!
Written by Allan Ahlberg, and lovingly illustrated by Janet Ahlberg, the pair created a classic with enduring appeal. It’s great to see Allan’s original notes and Janet’s beautifully precise, miniature watercolours on display. Most of this has never been publicly displayed before. You can really appreciate their process in this illuminating exhibition.
The exhibition opened just in time for February half-term and it’s been very busy all week! Don’t worry though, it will be on for a year, so you have plenty of time to catch this great insight into a classic children’s book series.
Tickets and Admissions:
The exhibition is included in general admission to The Postal Museum. Annual ticket holders and members are able to attend at no extra cost.
General admission tickets include 1x ride on Mail Rail on your first visit and unlimited entry to The Postal Museum’s galleries and exhibitions for one year from the date of your first visit. Pre-booking is recommended. For further price breakdown and ticketing information, click here.
