The Hepworth Wakefield to celebrate Miffy’s 70th birthday with exclusive book inspired by Barbara Hepworth
Pick up free Miffy ears and explore how Barbara Hepworth inspired the new Miffy book at The Hepworth Wakefield this half-term.
The Wakefield museum is celebrating the publication of a new book, Miffy and the Artists by Dick Bruna (published by Thames & Hudson), which will be exclusively available to buy from The Hepworth Wakefield shop from Monday, February 17 until Thursday, March 27.
Created by Dutch graphic designer Dick Bruna in 1955, Miffy will mark her 70th birthday this year.
To celebrate, Thames & Hudson will publish Miffy and the Artists – a portrayal of the art that inspired Bruna's own work and that continues to inspire the next generation of artists.
Miffy and the Artists, features Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture Mother and Child – one of the most popular works in Wakefield's art collection.
Mother and Child (1934) is one of the many pieces which Hepworth carved during her second pregnancy, shortly before she gave birth to triplets.
The sculpture is on display at The Hepworth Wakefield until Sunday, February 23.
Miffy and the Artists features Bruna's bold illustrations in combination with iconic artworks by Barbara Hepworth and other artists including Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol.
Simon Wallis, The Hepworth Wakefield’s director, said: “Miffy is an enduring character to lead us all into a world of books, stories, imagination and art.
"They were ideal books for learning stories, words, colours and shapes.
"We had the whole series. I very much enjoyed reading them to my own children and seeing them again through their eyes and experiences.
"I look forward to reading about her new adventures: she's long been part of my own.”
At The Hepworth Wakefield, families can take inspiration from Hepworth and Miffy during the Wakefield half-term holiday.
On Monday, February 17, 21, 22 and 23, families can visit the Miffy-inspired Art Pod to enjoy Mother and Child-themed drawing and making activities.
Copies of Miffy and the Artists will also be available on the Explore and Draw Stations daily.
From February 17 to February 23, visitors of all ages can also pick up free Miffy ears and colouring-in sheets from the gallery’s welcome desk.
Family activities are free for Members of The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield District residents and under 18s.