"The Worlds of Mervyn Peake"

The British Library has put together a small exhibition, The Worlds of Mervyn Peake — about a half dozen display cases against the far wall of the Library's cavernous atrium — to celebrate the author and illustrator's centenary. It presents a chronological tour through Peake's eventful life and work — from his early years in China, his work as a war artist, his time in London and as member of a artists' commune on Sark — using material including his own workbooks and correspondence. The later includes a few surprises, including a firm-but-fair assessment of the first draft of Titus Groan from Graham Greene, and a note from Caitlin Thomas wondering if Dylan couldn't borrow a decent suit.

I must admit that I knew little about Peake beyond Gormenghast, so the emphasis placed on his drawings came as a surprise. His work immediately after the Second World War, including sketches of those he found in Belsen, are particularly moving. Other parts of his work, such as his illustrations for an edition of Alice in Wonderland, I found a little disappointing — in this case, although technically brilliant, I thought they were a little too like the more famous ones by Tenniel. The sketches to the left come from an idea he had for a television programme which was never produced.

In all, well worth a look, whether or not you're familiar with Peake's work.