The first ever major retrospective exhibition of the illustration Elmer is now in Dorchester.

Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee, is now at Dorset Museum.

For the first time ever, families across the region will be able to step into David McKee's colourful world in this exhibition from Seven Stories - The National Centre for Children's Books as it celebrates more than 30 years of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

Jon Murden, executive director of Dorset Museum, said: "We are very excited that Elmer and Friends is coming to Dorset Museum.

"Making families welcome and giving them an excellent experience is at the heart of our aims. We are looking forward to seeing visitors interacting and exploring the colourful world of Elmer created by David McKee."

First stop will be Elmer's world, where visitors will be greeted by a giant Elmer jigsaw, with the adventure continuing as guests walk through Elmer's jungle, encountering characters and stories along the way.

As well as illustrations, there will be original artwork from Not Now Bernard, Mr Benn, King Rollo as well as the opportunity to dress up in fancy dress from the costume shop featured in Mr Benn and a reading area.

Gillian Rennie, head of exhibitions at Seven Stories, said: "We can't wait to invite families to explore this vibrant new exhibition in Dorset Museum. This is the first time that some of David's striking artwork has been on display and we know that families, schools and fans of children's literature are going to be blown away by the whole exhibition."

Visitors will be able to explore David McKee's illustrations in great depth through the use of many multi-sensory elements including colour, texture and sound, plus visualise McKee's use of perspective through an interactive mirrored walkway.

David McKee, author of Elmer, said: "Elmer is really about accepting who you are, about celebrating difference. We are all different to a greater or lesser degree. We are all different, with so many differences, difference of colour, of accents, but also of size, shape and how we dress.

"The differences are what make the world so rich. It's strange because we humans seem to like difference in other things - in dogs and trees and flowers, but we don't accept it in people. If people aren't like us, we don't accept them. Elmer tried to be like the other elephants but in the end, he has to be himself.

"I look forward to seeing the faces of all the children and families when they step into the exhibition."

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