'The Gruffalo is scary but maybe not the brightest'

The Gruffalo was first published in 1999 by Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson

An exhibition showcasing the work of the illustrator who created children's book character The Gruffalo has opened.

Visitors can explore Axel Scheffler's illustrations in a free exhibition at Weston Museum in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, until 9 November.

Scheffler first published the Gruffalo in 1999 with author Julia Donaldson.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: "He's [the Gruffalo] scary but also a little bit not the brightest maybe, and I find it really intriguing."

Axel Scheffler has worked on hundreds of children's books

"I think maybe that's part of the secret of the popularity that the Gruffalo has both these elements," he continued.

"Children have the Gruffalo now as a cuddly toy - but he's dangerous - to mice anyway. He wants to eat the mouse."

The exhibition features an extensive display of Scheffler's illustrations and celebrates his partnership with renowned author Julia Donaldson, showcasing artwork from over 150 books.

The exhibition spans his early career, including his time at Bath Academy of Art in Corsham, to his more recent works like The Baddies, written by Julia Donaldson, and Jim's Spectacular Christmas written by actress Emma Thompson.

Scheffler's illustrations of the Gruffalo are on display at the exhibition

Visitors can explore Scheffler's creative process, witnessing how his characters come to life.

"I had to come up with the overall appearance of the Gruffalo," said Scheffler, who was born in Germany in 1957.

"Gruffalo sounds a bit like buffalo so I thought it had to be a little bovine and have horns and a tail."

When asked what voice he imagined when he drew the Gruffalo, Scheffler said: "I never had a voice in my ear when I was working on it, but when I have to read it I give him a deep, deep voice.

"I can't avoid the German accent when I read so, the Gruffalo - when I read it - has got a German accent."