Published: 24/01/2026
Noel is perhaps now less well known than his sister, Dora. Ironically, it is largely due to his efforts that her work is better known. Once he retired as a publisher he devoted his time to promoting her reputation alongside enjoying his passion for farming. This exhibition sets out to make Noel better known . The aim is that by "showcasing beloved children's books, forgotten gems and original artwork this exhibition will take Noel Carrington out of the footnotes and into the spotlight."
Noel commissioned, edited and published some of Britain's best loved children's picture books. He was inspired by the innovative children's books being produced in France and Russia. He identified, enouraged and championed a wide range of artists to help him in his work. One of these was Kathleen Hale, who created Orlando the Marmalade Cat and brought colour to what was then a somewhat drab world. Her work is showcased in the exhibition. He encouraged artists to use auto-lithography, that is drawing directly onto a printing surface. This was tricky but saved on time and costs. One example of the use of this technique is High Street by Eric Ravilious.
Noel was responsible for the legendary Puffin and Bantam ranges of children's picture books. The exhibition includes many examples and you can enjoy the high standard of the items produced. An artistic highlight for me was S.R.Badmin's Trees in Britain, a Puffin picture book produced using auto-lithography. . For me, the exhibition brought back memories of using some of the books on show as a child. I also warmed to his idea that children can learn about the world through good, well illustrated stories.
Rob Bollington, January 2026
