David Hockney: Grimms' Fairy Tales

3 July - 10 October 2004

David Hockney, The Sexton Disguised As A Ghost, from The Boy Who Left Home to Learn Fear, 1969. (click image for larger version)

An exhibition from National Touring Exhibitions, organised by the Hayward Gallery for the Arts Council of England that featured beautiful illustrations by David Hockney, inspired by the Brothers' Grimm's most gruesome fairy tales.

In autumn 1960, during his second year at the Royal College of Art, David Hockney ran out of painting materials. Hearing that everything was provided free for students of printmaking, he changed courses. In 1969 Hockney decided to illustrate Grimms' Fairy Tales. Having read all 220 of the stories, he focused on six which inspired him most. He loved the direct language and magic in the tales. Whereas earlier illustrators depicted crucial moments in the stories, Hockney's illustrations capture the mood and highlight descriptions in the text.

Objects from the Museum's collection, including a spinning wheel, cradle and various toys complemented the engravings. A huge castle tower, dressing up clothes and printing blocks offered children the opportunity to really engage with the stories through play.

Today, Hockney considers this project to have been one of his major successes. Familiar images featured, including Rapunzel and Rumpelstilzchen as well as less well known characters, such as Old Rinkrank and The Little Sea Hare.