International illustrator David Hughes draws largest exhibition to West Suffolk museum

The largest exhibition is now underway (until 12 May) at Moyse's Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds, west Suffolk featuring the work of internationally acclaimed illustrator David Hughes.

In a profound and broad career, David Hughes has produced illustrations and caricatures commissioned by The Washington Post, The Times, Rolling Stone, Playboy, Faber & Faber, Esquire USA, BBC, Channel 4, GQ, Punch, the New Scientist and many more.

Now he has worked with West Suffolk Council to co-curate his exhibition 'Why Can't You Draw Something Nice…?” which explores his book, newspaper, and magazine illustrations, as well as design for television, film, and operatic productions. The exhibition in Bury St Edmunds also shares his pandemic journals and sculptures – works created as a reaction to the once in a generational event that brought life to a standstill.

“I've never been so engaged, it's official, I'm a specimen in a museum. I'm a dinosaur,” David said.

With nearly 200 pieces – some of which have never been on display before - it is the largest exhibition in Moyse's 125-year history as a museum.

Moyse's Hall is run by West Suffolk Council whose new strategic priority for thriving communities includes supporting residents' mental health and wellbeing through cultural activities. The Apex and the Abbey Gardens, the museum also attracts people to the town centre supporting businesses and with it the council's strategic priority for sustainable growth and adding to West Suffolk's appeal as a place where people want to live and work.

Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture at West Suffolk Council which runs Moyse's Hall Museum, said: “This is an exciting exhibition bringing the stunning works of an internationally acclaimed artist to West Suffolk for our communities and visitors to come along and enjoy. One of the things that makes West Suffolk such a great place to live and work is our strong mix of leisure, culture and heritage. With such a huge array of work, some of which has never been on display before, this exhibition is not to be missed.”

The David Hughes: 'Why Can't You Draw Something Nice…?' exhibition is open to the public seven days a week and runs until Sunday, 12 May. Tickets are available at www.moyseshall.org/whats-on or by calling 01284 758000, they can also be purchased on entry at Moyse's Hall Museum.

Admission prices are £5 adults, £4.50 concessions (60+), £3 child/student 5-16 years, under 5s free.  Moyse's Hall is open Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4pm) and Sunday 12noon – 4pm (last entry 3pm). For more information about Moyse's Hall visit www.moyseshall.org.

Photo credits and interviewees:

Additional images and possible interviewees available on request

All images to be credited to Geoff Price

- Ends -

For press enquiries, images or to discuss a possible review visit contact:

Pat Edgar, PR Matters

Tel: 01494 764408 / 07836 786043

Email: PRMatters@talktalk.net                                                              

6 March 2024

Notes to editors:

Below is some of the feedback the exhibition has already received since opening on 17 February:

“An astonishing, gob-smacking exhibition, so beautifully done, an honest-to-god proper treat… my first visit to the town and believe me it was worth every single mile to get there”

Christina Balit – Award winning illustrator and Playwright

“I take my hat off to all involved in creating this extraordinary exhibition of David Hughes illustrations” “…this collection of work was something to celebrate”

Suzanne Dean - Creative Director at Vintage, Penguin Random House Group

“Don't miss this wonderful retrospective of the work of one of our finest and most influential illustrators, stunning show. Well done Moyse's Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds for putting this on.”

Professor Martin Salisbury – Professor of Illustration and Director of the Children's Centre for Book Studies at Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University.

“A brilliant exhibition of one of the very finest illustrators working in the UK. A fantastic venue too.”

Dr Jake Abrams. Associate Professor at Kingston School of Art