The Wonderful World of Rodney Peppe

The world of toys is celebrated at Torre Abbey in Torquay with an intriguing and colourful exhibition of illustrations, toys and models by the artist Rodney Peppé, author and illustrator of over 80 children’s books and the creator of ITV’s polite but greedy Huxley Pig and BBC’s Angelmouse.

The exhibition, packed with the imagination, humour and charm that have characterised his work, is perfectly timed to brighten winter days and to bring a traditional flavour to the festive season.

Rodney Peppé trained as a wood engraver at the Central School of Art, in London. As a freelance graphic designer he published his first children’s book The Alphabet Book in 1968. He made working models for his picturebook illustrations and articulated character models for both his books and television programmes.

The Pirate Kettleship, Flying Basket, Travel Machine, Clockwork Bus and Lunar Module Egg box are just some of the intricate models in the exhibition. These toys have performed an important function in Peppé’s work as an author, acting as models for the illustrations in the adventurous stories in some of his 80 illustrated children’s books. Also in the exhibition are original illustrations from the books and television series and moving toys, some tantalisingly behind glass but others, handles at the ready, waiting to do their turn.

Showing in his home town for the first time Peppé says: “It is very exciting to be exhibiting in the newly restored Torre Abbey. I welcome the opportunity of showing my toys, models, automata and picture books in such a unique setting.”