Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu:

British Council Nepal organised an exhibition of artwork by Britain’s best children’s illustrators on February 20. David Ward, charge d’affairs, British Embassy, inaugurated the exhibition — ‘Magic Pencil’ . Ward said that illustrations today have become one of the most important forms of art and also added that the book he had read as a child had left unforgettable impressions on him just because of the illustrations. ‘Magic Pencil’ is an exhibition of artwork by Britain’s best contemporary children’s book illustrators. Britain has a great history of innovative book design and illustration and the works of earlier generations are known and loved worldwide. The illustrations to Alice in Wonderland, Peter Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh were, for example, their first introduction to British culture which could be regarded as the first golden age. Until the 18th century, children read adult books but with the introduction of children’s books in this century, illustrations were introduced.

The exhibition also includes the exhibition of the books themselves that will be kept in the library and can be borrowed later on. British Council also invites schools to send their children to the exhibition. The exhibition will be followed by a workshop for the local cartoonists and calligraphers. The exhibition will be on till May 6.