Image: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, London
The exhibition is described as the UK’s first ever exhibition to focus on Tove Jansson’s work as an illustrator.
Previously unseen drawings will be shown alongside more than 100 rarely shown sketches, paintings, illustrations and photographs from Tove Jansson and those closest to her. Original art depicting the origins of the Moomins will also be on show, including scraps from the first published Moomin book.
The exhibition will look at the people who shaped Finnish author-illustrator Tove Jansson’s life and work (1914–2001). Jansson’s extended Moomin cast are intimately inspired by her family, friends and lovers in Helsinki’s cultural circles and lesbian community.
It will also offer a glimpse into Jansson’s wider life, including the influence of her graphic designer mother, her early work for the satirical magazine Garm and her contribution to Finland’s post-war public realm effort through large-scale public murals.
