Beloved by children and adults alike, characters such as “My Dad!”, the imaginative “Willy the Wimp”, and the lovable “Gorilla” have captured hearts worldwide. Now, the works of Anthony Browne, the renowned surrealist master of picture books, arrive across the ocean with over 150 original pieces, inviting audiences into his imaginative world. Through a child’s perspective, visitors explore the depths of the subconscious, transcending the boundaries of logic and reality, and encountering absurdity, humor, freedom, and imagination. Step into this artistic vortex to embark on a lively journey, discover life’s mysteries, and experience the joy of creativity.

Since publishing his first picture book, “Through the Magic Mirror”, in 1976, the now 73-year-old artist has produced over 50 works, translated into 26 languages. Over five decades of dedication to art, Browne has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal twice, the Kurt Maschler Award three times, the German Picture Book Prize, the Dutch Silver Pencil, the Emick Award, and the International Hans Christian Andersen Illustrator Award. For the first time in China, his iconic picture book characters are showcased collectively, presenting nearly 40 years of original artwork.

The exhibition is divided into ten themed sections, including My Art Museum, Fantasy and Magic, Becoming Friends, Family Stories, How Do You Feel?, and Shape Games, featuring early works and unpublished originals displayed in China for the first time. Visitors can closely observe Browne’s delicate brushwork and boundless creativity, experiencing the full impact of his artistic vision.

Exhibition Information:

Dates: June 22 – September 22, 2019

Venue: National Library of China (National Rare Book Museum), Halls 7 & 8

Address: No. 33 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing