ACCLAIMED illustrator Quentin Blake has gifted a specially produced painting to The Bowes Museum.
The picture features children’s author Roald Dahl’s much-loved character the BFG holding up the museum’s iconic Silver Swan automaton.
The idea sprang out of a chat between museum staff members Amy Bainbridge, George Harris and Catherine Dickinson.
Miss Dickinson followed up with a letter to the illustrator and to their happy surprise, he agreed. Mrs Bainbridge said: “We simply asked for a picture that relates to the collection and he came back with that, which is brilliant.”
The new picture will form part of the museum’s permanent collection, but will only go on display from time to time to protect the delicate watercolours.
Mrs Bainbridge added that it would also be used for educational purposes when the museum hosts activities.
She said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Quentin Blake agreed to create this unique drawing, and equally thrilled with the result.
“It’s particularly pertinent to The Bowes Museum as it depicts the BFG cradling a swan eating a fish, inspired by the museum’s life-size Silver Swan automaton.
“The drawing has been framed and is now on display near the entrance to The BFG in Pictures exhibition.”
She said the image would be a permanent legacy of the current exhibition.
The exhibition runs until September 30 and features published images from the BFG book, as well as some that have never been seen in print.
