Fans of Ladybird Books from the 1960s and beyond, or those hoping to discover their enchanting worlds for the first time, are in for a treat at Charnwood Museum this summer.
Well-Loved Tales: Stories from a Ladybird Childhood is based on a series of 27 books, which began in 1964 with the publication of Cinderella.
Charnwood Museum has created a wonderful exhibition based on 15 of those evocative titles, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, The Elves & the Shoemaker, Jack & the Beanstalk and Billy Goats Gruff.
The exhibition features the original Ladybird books and uses them as the inspiration for imaginative displays using objects from the extensive Leicestershire Museums collection.
Visitors will also be able to get more involved with the magical Ladybird world by dressing up, having a photo opportunity in Rapunzel’s tower and the Wicked Queen’s mirror on the wall, trip trapping over the Troll’s bridge or having a picnic in the park outside the museum, where three Ladybird-themed benches have been installed.
There will also be storytelling sessions at selected times.
The exhibition follows on from last year’s hugely successful H is for House: Living in a Ladybird Home exhibition.
In the 11 weeks it was open, the exhibition saw a total of 18,400 visitors through the doors, making it Charnwood Museum’s most successful exhibition in recent years.
Ladybird Books are fondly remembered by generations of people, including me, who read them as children. Charnwood Museum is the ideal venue for such an exhibition, as Loughborough is the original home of Ladybird Books. Last year’s H is for House exhibition was a huge success and I’m sure Well-Loved Tales will prove to be another big hit with visitors of all ages.
Person:Richard Blunt, cabinet member for heritage, leisure and artsWell-Loved Tales: Stories from a Ladybird Childhood runs at Charnwood Museum until November 16. Entry to the exhibition is free. Charnwood Museum is open from 10am-4.30 Tuesday to Saturday and 2pm-5pm on Sundays.
Charnwood Museum is free to enter, with a shop, recently refurbished toilets and the Queens Park café.
Check the Museum’s website for opening times and further information at www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/charnwood_museum or phone 01509 233754.