Puffin Picture Books Pioneer Noel Carrington Celebrated in New Exhibition

A new exhibition at The Higgins Bedford is set to shine a light on the life and work of Noel Carrington, an influential but often overlooked figure in the world of children's publishing. Carrington, who moved to Bedford in 1903, is credited with helping shape children's reading through the 20th century, particularly through his creation of the iconic Puffin Picture Books series.

Launched in December 1940, the Puffin Picture Books were designed to be affordable and accessible for evacuee children during World War II. Carrington commissioned, edited, and published some of Britain's best-loved children's books, ensuring they were both entertaining and instructive for young readers aged 7 to 14. The exhibition, titled "Noel Carrington - Nothing Need be Ugly," marks the 85th anniversary of the first Puffin Picture Book's publication.

For the first time, all 120 Puffin books will be displayed together, showcasing Carrington's talent for nurturing young artistic talent. The publisher worked with illustrators like Mervyn Peake and Kathleen Hale, helping launch their careers. Carrington's innovative approach to book design, including the use of integrated, full-color illustrations, also set the Puffin series apart from other children's books of the time.

Curator Joe Pearson hopes the exhibition will bring Carrington's name "out of the darkness and into the light," recognizing his significant but often overlooked contributions to the world of children's literature. Through this celebration of Carrington's legacy, a new generation will discover the enduring impact of the Puffin Picture Books and the visionary publisher behind them.