CELEBRATE The Art of Lauren Child in Hampshire this summer.

The famous children’s artist is exhibiting 50 original art works from her own personal collection, including many that have never been seen before, in her first retrospective.

It will remain in the gallery of National Trust property Mottisfont, near Romsey, until September 6.

Lauren's creations Charlie and Lola have become known around the world through books and their BAFTA award-winning television series, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Lauren’s distinctive style has also brought to life a wide range of other characters, including Clarice Bean, daring girl detective Ruby Redfort, Hubert Horatio, and The Storybook Wolves.

She has also created beautiful illustrations for new editions of classic tales such as The Princess and the Pea, and The Secret Garden.

On display alongside her illustrations at Mottisfont, near Romsey, are objects that helped inspire the stories, such as Lola’s pink milk glass, Lauren’s sketch books and one of the original sets from the Princess and the Pea.

There is also a sneak preview of the illustrations for Lauren’s new book to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Charlie and Lola, entitled One Thing, which will be published in autumn.

Lauren worked with the team at the property to create a family trail that takes children on an adventure with Charlie, Lola and friends around the house and gardens.

A simpler trail for younger children is also available. 

Lauren chose Mottisfont for her first retrospective because of her parents’ love for the former medieval priory and its famous gardens.

She said: "My mother and father come here a lot because my mother is particularly fond of roses and they love the Rose Garden.

“When I visited for the first time I fell in love with the atmosphere of the house in particular. It has a unique feeling of a blend of ideas and artistic creativity.

“I'm thrilled to have an exhibition at Mottisfont and activities for families around my books this summer."

The exhibition’s curator Louise Govier commented: “I think our visitors are going to love Lauren’s art. The illustrations created for her books are a wonderful blend of collage, pattern, line and paint, and full of quirky little details."

The Art of Lauren Child - Adventures with Charlie, Lola and Friends runs until September 6.

Themed activity weekends: August 8 & 9 and 22 & 23.