Image source, Ladybird Books Ltd
The exhibit is inspired by the classic Ladybird series
A new exhibition looks back at the changing world of work through the prism of childhood classics Ladybird Books.
The exhibition, titled People at Work, runs at the Charnwood Museum in Loughborough until October 1.
The show is inspired by the People At Work Ladybird series, which included titles like The Policeman, The Postman, The Nurse and The Fireman.
A councilor said the exhibit was “fascinating”.
Image source, Ladybird Books Ltd
The series began in 1962 and informed children about popular jobs
The books, which were printed in Loughborough from 1962, described popular jobs at the time.
Some of the books, illustrated by John Berry, were updated in the 1980s, under the title People Who Help Us, using pictures of real people doing business – many in Leicestershire.
The exhibition features original illustrations from the books – on loan from the Ladybird Books Archive at the University of Reading – as well as objects and uniforms from the Leicestershire County Council museum collections inspired by the titles.
Visitors to the exhibition can see exhibits of uniforms and other items related to police, firefighters, nurses, postmen, miners, shop workers, and more.
Young visitors can dress up and try out hands-on tasks, such as sorting letters and climbing into a fire engine cabin.
Image source, Ladybird Books Ltd
The exhibition will explore the evolution of trades
The exhibition also explores how professions and mentalities have changed since the publication of the first titles.
Christine Radford, Cabinet Member for Heritage, Leisure and the Arts, said: “This is a fascinating exhibition on the changing world of work through the much-loved and hugely popular Ladybird Books, which have had their home in Loughborough for so many years.
Jenny Bokor, Loughborough Senior Member of Charnwood Borough Council, said: ‘I look forward to visiting this brilliant new exhibition and know that families from Charnwood and beyond will come to the museum and have a superb time.’
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