Postman Pat and other pictures

If the rain finally catches up with you on your visit to Beningbrough and the new and improved playground is a little wet, you will be pleased to know that we have an exciting indoor addition to our range of family attractions. This summer we are pleased to be hosting an exhibition of original drawings, paintings and sketches by children’s illustrator Ray Mutimer. See how scenes from beloved childhood favourites like Postman Pat, Charlie Chalk and Rupert the bear are brought to life by the artist, from initial sketch to finished storybook.

When Ray started his artistic career he was working on his own paintings whilst also teaching at St Aidan’s C.E. High School in Harrogate. His paintings, which varied between semi-abstract pictures based on landscape and more figurative work, were exhibited widely throughout the North. His first illustrations were cartoon drawings, about teaching, which were regularly published in the Times Educational Supplement  and Teacher's World.



Ray eventually came to children’s book illustration through his young son. The challenge of story-telling through his pictures appealed to him as an artist, as did the opportunities for imagination, expressive colour, inventiveness, composition and drawing which children’s illustration allowed.

In 1989 Ray began work on his first Postman Pat picture books Tales From Greendale, after the success of the TV series created by Ivor Wood and John Cunliffe. He also produced activity books, sticker books and annuals to compliment the story books, as well as a series of board books for younger children.

 

It was in the children's magazine Postman Pat Weekly that he started drawing Charlie Chalk, another TV character creared by Ivor Wood. Between 1992 and 1994 he also drew Rupert the Bear for Rupert and Friends, published by Marvel UK, and has since worked the the BBC's Toybox and Noddy Magazine  amongst others.

Between 1997 and 2005 Ray also produced a wide range of educational books for children in Africa and the Caribbean. The subject matter ranged from traditional stories, religious material, factual information and adventure stories, but all of them featured his special brand imaginative and colourful artwork.

If you want to take your own Pat or Rupert home with you, these original works are available for purchase through our shop. Ray will also be signing copies of his latest work, My Book of Favourite Tales and Rhymes on the 24^th August and as part of our participation in the national Heritage Open Day on 14^th September (prices TBC). This new publication includes over fifty traditional nursery rhymes and verses, as well as eleven full fairy tales. And of course the pages are packed with Ray’s lively and humorous illustrations, bringing the stories to life.

The exhibition is available to visit on most days throughout the summer holidays, but may occasionally be closed if the learning centre is needed for other purposes. Telephone 01904 472027 to check availability. Please be aware that whilst the hall and gardens are fully accessible, the learning centre can only be accessed via the stairs.