A celebration of popular children’s writer to open

An award-winning children’s author’s work is being put in the spotlight at a new exhibition.

A fascinating new attraction focussing on the work of award-winning author Michael Morpurgo – one of Britain’s most loved children’s story makers – opens at the Dick Institute in Kilmarnock on Friday, August 10.

This unique event, devised by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, will put the man behind some of Britain’s most treasured children’s novels in the spotlight, showcasing the notebooks and manuscripts that have become classics – including War Horse, Private Peaceful, Kensuke’s Kingdom and Farm Boy.

Also on display will be photographs and correspondences that chronicle Michael’s creative process and writing career, with an atmospheric soundscape introducing the various and familiar themes in Michael’s storytelling, such as war, animals and friendship.

A copy of Michael Morpurgo’s creative caravan will be on show

A replica of his creative caravan will be reconstructed so that visitors can imagine, daydream and pen story ideas of their own, and the exhibition will also feature artwork from many of the illustrators who have contributed to his books, including Sir Quentin Blake and Patrick Benson, as well as props from stage and film which have brought his remarkable stories to life.

Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories runs from Friday, August 10 until Friday, January 5 in the Dick Institute’s Main Gallery. Tickets, £5 for adults and £2 for under 16s, are available from the Dick Institute on 01563 554343, the Palace Theatre on 01563 554900 or HERE.