A major new exhibition celebrating the beloved children’s illustrator Helen Oxenbury will open at The Harley Gallery this autumn. Titled, Helen Oxenbury: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Other Adventures, this landmark exhibition will be the first major solo show of Oxenbury’s work, offering a rare and intimate look at the career of one of the world’s most cherished illustrators.
Running from 4 October 2025 to 4 January 2026, the exhibition will be free to attend and is expected to be a major draw for families, literature lovers, and illustration fans alike.
Helen Oxenbury has delighted generations of children and parents with her warm, witty and unforgettable illustrations. Best known for We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, her collaborations with authors such as Michael Rosen, Martin Waddell, and Phyllis Root have helped define the look of modern picture books.
Among the exhibition highlights will be original artwork from We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, including a rare early version of the now-iconic illustrations in which the family looks very different from the one known and loved by readers today.
The exhibition coincides with the release of Oh Dear, Look What I Got!, Helen’s 2025 reunion with author Michael Rosen, published by Walker Books. The show will explore the evolution of Helen’s style, her approach to storytelling through pictures, and the influence her illustrations have had on British cultural life.
Posted on 28 July 2025
