Never-before-seen animation cels go on display at new exhibition marking 50 years of Mr Benn

A new exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mr Benn will display never-before-seen animation cels from the original television programme.

The first book featuring the iconic fancy-dress enthusiast was published in 1967 and a television series followed in 1971. Despite only 13 episodes being produced, the series ran twice a year – with episodes in different orders – for two decades.

In addition to a number of sketches, illustrations, and pieces of concept art the Illustration Cupboard Gallery is also displaying animation cels previously hidden away in the filmmakers’ studios and released now for the first time.

Mr Benn made his first appearance in Mr Benn – Red Knight, and would go on to feature in four more books by the illustrator David McKee.

Each story involved Mr Benn visiting a fancy-dress shop, trying on a costume and being transported into a series of adventures, from becoming a knight, an astronaut, and even a prison convict. The mysterious fez-wearing shopkeeper always comes to get him at the end and he leaves the shop with some kind of memorable souvenir.

“He reflects everybody’s dreams and desires, a little bit of escapism,” said John Huddy, founder of the Illustration Cupboard Gallery.

Watch the video above for a sneak peek at the animation cels, which demonstrate the meticulous style of animation used in the television series.

The exhibition runs until September 16 and David McKee will be attending a book signing event at the gallery on August 23.

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