The Big Friendly Giant
When I think of this Roald Dahl story it takes me back to being a child sitting in a library reading, theres something about this book, such an iconic children’s character, that brings your imagination alive and the fact I can now share this with my son is wonderful. That’s the beauty of stories, they are something that will be around forever, the joy of picking up a book and being captivated by characters, taken into their world is something so special.
The BFG in pictures is a touring exhibition from House of Illustration. This was being showcased at Torre Abbey, It features reproductions of Quentin Blake’s illustrations for Roald Dahls loved story, this is Quentin Blake’s first major exhibition. Here you can see 40 original artworks, there are also unpublished Illustrations that failed to be used when the book was first published in 1982, these have never been displayed on a public exhibit before. Blake first completed the illustrations but Dahl rejected them, Blake then created a second set collaborating with Dahl which are published today.
The BFG played a big part in Roald Dahls life with him telling the story of the BFG to his own children. The story is about a giant who catches dreams and takes orphan Sophie (Who was named after Roald’s first grandchild) back to his cave which is surrounded by other giants who aren’t quite the same as this friendly one we come to learn. The BFG has his own language which is called Gobblefunk but we can always understand him.
When we arrived at Torre Abbey we was greeted, given a map and shown where to head for the BFG exhibition, we also had access to the other rooms and the garden, I would 100% take a whole day to explore this wonderful venue.
Walking into the Art room and seeing the illustrations in person was wonderful, you can feel the magic that Quentin Blake was trying to portray. I don’t feel Austin had so much care for the illustrations but when we headed downstairs to the other room his eyes lit up. Walking in you are greeted by a life size Papier-mâché BFG, it’s really quite breathtaking, Austin ran up to it straight away. The room is huge and well equipped for children, they had chalkboards on the walls, a drawing table in the middle and a rail of BFG costumes for the kids. I think Austins favourite part was definitely dressing up as the BFG and making mum and dad wear some matching ears, he really got into the part with his dream catcher net running around the room.
As you turn around the corner of the room you can see all the colours flowing out of the cave, Austin was so excited by all the lights and dream jars inside the cave. We actually made a dream jar a week prior with the scrap tots sessions that run at Torre Abbey, so he loved seeing that taking pride of place in the room.
There are also lots of other rooms and exhibitions inside Torre Abbey for you to explore included in the normal admission price, you also have the gardens to roam around. There is a beautiful green house that we always stop in and have a browse of plants (Our favourite being the banana tree).
Torre Abbey itself is a great place for all ages to come and discover something new, learn a piece of history and overall have a great day out.
We had a lovely time spent here, thank you to The Shorely for having us come and be apart of this exhibition.
Lucy xo
Cott-enn 