E.H.Shepard Review

Back in March, Coxsoft Art posted an article about the forthcoming exhibition of the drawings of E. H. Shepard at Redbridge Museum, Ilford (title link). Today I viewed this small but excellent show: The Man Who Drew Pooh And Toad. As you would expect, Winnie-the-Pooh and Toad of Toad Hall are there, but the exhibits cover Shepard's drawings from boyhood to old age, with a signed and illustrated menu from his 90th birthday dinner. His boyhood drawings include a quartet of daunting aunts portrayed in profile, looking rather like Queen Victoria. There are two cartoons from his time at Punch magazine and sketches from World War I, including an officer in the trenches. Notations cover the important events in his life, including the tragic loss of his first wife. To top it all, there's a Pooh in a blue waistcoat! The exhibition continues until 23 June 2007, admission free. Click the title link for further details or telephone 020 8708 2317.