Born in Devon, David McKee (1935-2022) studied at Plymouth Art College and early in his career sold humorous drawings to publications including The Times Educational Supplement, Punch and the Reader’s Digest. McKee went on to work with leading independent children’s publisher Andersen Press, writing and illustrating over 200 books including Mr Benn, King Rollo and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, which has sold over ten million copies worldwide since it was first published in 1989.

The exhibition at the Horniman Museum, Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022, encourages children to explore Elmer’s world, meeting characters whilst walking through the specially created jungle and playing the big magnetic Elmer game.

Whilst the exhibition from Seven Stories is aimed at younger visitors, some parents may also relish the opportunity to take a look at McKee’s original artwork or visit the fancy-dress costume shop, just like the one where Mr Benn used to begin his adventures.