Celebrating 40 years since the much-loved children’s book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg was first published, The Postal Museum has announced the first ever exhibition dedicated to The Jolly Postman.
Opening on 14 February 2026, just in time for half-term, this immersive, family-friendly exhibition will invite visitors to follow the Jolly Postman’s delivery round through a fairy tale neighbourhood.
Throughout they’ll find original artwork from the Ahlberg archives, much of it never before displayed publicly. Discover the story behind the storybook through prototypes and early design concepts, seen alongside the everyday stamps, cards and postal uniforms that inspired them. Janet Ahlberg’s sketches will be paired with Allan Ahlberg’s notebooks, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the pair’s creative partnership.
About the exhibition:
- The first ever exhibition dedicated to The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
- Visitors will be invited to step into the story, peeking inside miniature houses and spotting fairytale friends along the Jolly Postman’s delivery route.
- Wander through the woods to the Three Bears’ cottage, deliver ‘royal mail’ to Cinderella at the palace or dare to enter the Witch’s house.
- Along the way you’ll also find Janet Ahlberg’s beautiful hand-drawn sketches on display together with Allan Ahlberg’s notebooks, offering unseen insights into their creative process.
- Prototypes and early design ideas for the letters, cards and characters will be shown for the first time, alongside real stamps, cards and postal uniforms from The Postal Museum’s own collection.
Inspired by their young daughter Jessica’s fascination with different letters arriving through the post box, the Ahlbergs dreamt up the idea for a book with real pull-out letters and cards. The innovative design took 5 years to create and has captured the imagination of multiple generations, selling more than 6 million copies worldwide. It was followed by two further books, The Jolly Christmas Postman (1991) and The Jolly Pocket Postman (1995), all published by Puffin Books.
Celebrating the enduring appeal of The Jolly Postman, Postal Museum is inviting primary schools across the UK to make and send their own fairy tale mail inspired by the book for a special display within the exhibition. Schools can also book The Jolly Postman schools programme, delivered in the museum and virtually in classrooms.
The exhibition is included in general admission to the museum.
Jessica Ahlberg, daughter of Janet and Allan Ahlberg said:
“I can’t wait to see The Jolly Postman celebrated and brought to life at The Postal Museum. The book is full of humour, warmth, and imagination, just like my mum and dad, and I’m delighted that their artwork and ideas will be displayed for others to enjoy.”
Laura Wright, CEO of The Postal Museum said:
“The Jolly Postman has been a hugely popular part of our schools and family programmes since the museum opened. Now we’re delighted to invite our visitors to step into the story in a new exhibition full of interactive surprises alongside never-before-seen original artwork.”
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.
