Museum showcases Terry Pratchett's Discworld art

A museum is currently showcasing a fascinating exhibition dedicated to the art inspired by Terry Pratchett's beloved Discworld novels. These novels are set in a unique flat world that is supported by four enormous elephants, which in turn stand on the back of a giant turtle that swims through space. The exhibition is taking place at Weston Museum and is set to open its doors on May 24. It features a variety of illustrations created by the talented artist Paul Kidby, who collaborated with Pratchett for an impressive thirty years. Sir Terry Pratchett, the renowned author, passed away in 2015, but he spent a significant part of his life in Somerset and the surrounding South West region. Victoria Haddock, who is the Exhibitions and Programmes Assistant at South West Heritage, expressed her excitement about the exhibition, stating, 'We are very excited for the exhibition, especially after reading the comments and seeing the engagement on social media. ' Paul Kidby, the artist behind many of the illustrations, is known for his whimsical and imaginative style. In a delightful moment captured in his studio, he is seen smiling in front of a playful portrait reminiscent of the Mona Lisa. This exhibition is designed to be family-friendly and offers a stunning selection of Kidby's artwork. It provides visitors with a rare opportunity to witness how the inhabitants of Discworld are brought to life, showcasing everything from early sketches to the final masterpieces. The award-winning Discworld series is filled with a rich tapestry of characters, including wizards, witches, and a host of magical creatures. The exhibition will display original sketches, prints, paintings, and sculptures that highlight Kidby's creative process. Among the artworks is an illustration of a witch dressed in a green dress and a black cloak, walking through a picturesque valley accompanied by a white cat and a group of little blue men. In total, there are 41 Discworld novels, with the first one being published in 1983 and the last one released posthumously, just five months after Sir Terry Pratchett's passing in 2015. Over his remarkable 44-year career, Pratchett authored 70 books in total. He passed away at the age of 66 due to natural causes after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, Paul Kidby has illustrated works written by Terry's daughter, Rhianna, although these books are not part of the Discworld series. In 2017, Kidby created a bronze memorial bust of Sir Terry to honor his legacy. This exhibition is a touring showcase that originated from St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery. It will be available for viewing until August 30, providing fans of Terry Pratchett and his imaginative world with a wonderful opportunity to explore the art that brings his stories to life.