The Tiger Who Came To Tea exhibition at Quarry Bank

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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The Tiger Who Came To Tea exhibition

Quarry Bank, Cheshire
8 September-28 October 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

National Trust
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Lucky for us that Quarry Bank is at the start of a national tour of this new exhibition celebrating Judith Kerr’s much-loved picture book.

Celebrating The Tiger Who Came To Tea‘s 50th anniversary and over five million copies sold, we can’t think of many things we would like to do more than get up close to copies of the beautiful original artwork, notes and sketches that inspired it.

Designed by the clever folks at Seven Stories, Newcastle’s National Centre for Children’s Books, expect a fully interactive play kitchen and life-size model tiger knocking at the door for tea.

There’s the chance to explore Judith Kerr’s other classic books including the Mog stories, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit and The Crocodile Under the Bed. The exhibition gives a unique insight into Judith’s childhod and experiences of having to escape Nazi Germany, becoming a refugee.  Her drawings from the time reveal how she developed into an artist, storyteller and cherished companion for millions of bedtimes across the world over the last half century.

Judith Kerr at the Tiger Who Came To Tea exhibition
Judith Kerr at the Tiger Who Came To Tea exhibition

 

Quarry Bank is also showcasing books from its fascinating Workers’ Library collection, revealing the children’s books that those who lived at Quarry Bank loved in the past. Set up in the eary twentieth century as part of the Greg family’s commitment to learning opportunities for its mill employees, it had a large children’s selection.

An accompanying event programme of Wild Weekends in September further expand the experience through storytelling, family yoga, tiger-themed arts and crafts, nature explorer sessions and afternoon tea.

Take the opportunity to peek around the newly opened Mill experience (which completes the picture of restoration work revealing a complete picture of how people worked and lived at Quarry Bank) and the Journeys of the Imagination trail too.

Just watch out for your snacks and packed lunches folks. We know what that tiger is like ….

 

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