BEXHILL ON SEA.- Ladybird By Design at De La Warr Pavilion presents over 200 original illustrations from Ladybird books between the late 1950s to the early 1970s. Focusing on the world in which the reader lived, the exhibition features selections from series including People At Work, Shopping With Mother, Science, Nature, Well Loved Tales and Key Words. The exhibition has been inspired by a new book by Lawrence Zeegen published in March 2015 that portrays a unique slice of Britain’s social and design history, as seen through the eyes of Ladybird.

The success of Ladybird was as much due to clever format and compelling design, as it was the quality of the writing, presenting a portrait of the time through the use of specifically commissioned illustration. Unparalleled in their perfectly observed attention to detail and unique sense of place, Ladybird’s full-colour, full-page illustrations were often created by well-known illustrators such as Charles Tunnicliffe (What To Look For titles, series 536), Harry Wingfield (Shopping with Mother, series 563, and Key Words, series 641), Martin Aitchison (Key Words titles), Eric Winter and Robert Lumley (Well-loved Tales, series 606d), John Berry (People at Work, series 606b) and Robert Ayton (Great Inventions and The Story of Oil, series 601).
For one hundred years, Ladybird books have delighted children, their parents, grandparents and teachers alike, taking readers on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. Affordable and accessible, Ladybird books hold a significant and affectionate place in the collective psyche of the nation, conjuring up, through written word and illustration, life in Britain in more innocent times.

Lawrence Zeegen is Professor of Illustration and Dean of the School of Design at the London College of Communication who in addition to writing the new book has been closely involved in curating the exhibition that has been inspired by Ladybird by Design.

The new book Ladybird By Design is a fascinating look at the social and design history of the well-known publisher Ladybird Books, released to celebrate 100 years since the familiar ladybird was first registered as a logo in 1915.

Ladybird by Design charts the rise of the company that was initially known as Wills & Hepworth, from its origin as a small Loughborough printer to its growth into a global publisher beloved by millions of children, teachers and parents.  It delves into the stories behind the beautiful art and design of the iconic mini hardback books that have adorned children's bookshelves for generations, and explores the career of Editorial Director Douglas Keen, who commissioned many of the books from the 1950s to the 70s, as well as those of the artists who brought them to life.

In addition to a range of classic covers and images from books, Ladybird By Design also contains a selection of rare photographs and artwork, and includes sections on favourite series such as Well-loved Tales, Nature, How it Works, Key Words, Junior Science, Hobbies and Interests, People at Work and Adventures from History, through to information on the exciting books still being published by Ladybird today.

Ladybird has been publishing books for children since 1915 and it stands at the forefront of children’s publishing as one of the most iconic and well-known children’s brands. Its books are synonymous with quality, value for money, favourite stories and fun and are trusted by parents the world over. As well as traditional books, Ladybird publishes digitally including, eBooks and apps, offering a variety of formats and platforms to suit today’s parents, teachers and children. From birth through to confident young readers, Ladybird offers expertly crafted books and apps for a child’s every need. Every stage.