The Art of War Horse featuring Rae Smith

The Art of War Horse featuring Rae Smith

1 - 30 August 2014

Rae Smith, Cavalry Charge II, Pencil and charcoal on paper, 240 x 550mm, War Horse, written by Michael Morpurgo, published by Egmont Publishing, 2013

 Illustrationcupboard Gallery is proud to commemorate the centenary of World War I with a unique exhibition celebrating the dramatisation of Michael Morpurgo’s book War Horse. First published in 1982,  this wartime tale has become an international phenomenon. The National Theatre’s adaptation of the novel, which premiered in 2007, has now been seen by over 5 million people worldwide, with productions currently running in the West End, on tour in the UK (now at the Lowry in Salford), in Japan, Berlin and Amsterdam.

Theatre designer Rae Smith won both the US Tony Award and the British Olivier Award for the show. We are proud to be showing Rae’s original theatre, costume and scenic artwork – all of which were displayed on stage at the National Theatre. On show will be a selection of equine drawings of the horse puppets so vividly created by Handspring Puppet Company, as well as powerful Vorticist-inspired depictions of battle-torn France.

Rae Smith, Joey in No Man's Land, Pencil and charcoal on paper, 300 x 1130mm. Original theatre artwork for War Horse displayed on stage at The National Theatre

The distinguished artist Victor Ambrus was commissioned to produce the front cover of the first edition of War Horse in 1982. Victor will be showing artwork especially produced for this anniversary. We will also be showing artwork by Olivia Lomenech Gill, whose previous collaboration with Michael Morpurgo on Where My Wellies Take Me has been short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Award 2014. Olivia will be showing a selection of her War Horse inspired artwork, the highlight of which is the impressive Standing To, especially commissioned by Michael Morpurgo for the concert War Horse: Only Remembered.

Without doubt this is an extraordinary collection, which we are thrilled to be exhibiting. We draw attention for all collectors to the unique nature and opportunity offered, with all artwork being made available for purchase. A limited number of signed first editions of the new book will also be on sale.

The Art of War Horse, evening reception with Rae Smith and Michael Morpurgo

6 August 2014

More photographs can be viewed on our flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/illustrationcupboard/sets/72157645864266600/