The Hepworth Wakefield celebrates Miffy’s 70th birthday!

Miffy and the Artists, a joyful introduction to art for young children, features Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture Mother and Child – one of the most popular works in Wakefield’s art collection. The sculpture is on display in Still Lives at The Hepworth Wakefield until Sunday 23 February.

Miffy needs no introduction – she’s one of the best-loved bunnies in the world. Created by Dutch graphic designer Dick Bruna in 1955, Miffy will mark her 70th birthday in 2025. To celebrate, Thames & Hudson will publish Miffy and the Artists – a delightful portrayal of the art that inspired Bruna’s own work and that continues to inspire the next generation of artists.

Miffy and the Artists features Bruna’s bold illustrations in combination with iconic artworks by Barbara Hepworth, Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol, among others. Using clever pairings of Bruna’s Miffy illustrations with these well-loved works of art, the book neatly captures the essence of each work. Combining a simple statement about each artist with questions that encourage children to look more closely at the artwork on the page, Miffy and the Artists is a warm welcome into the world of art for young children and their families.

With its timeless appeal, Hepworth’s Mother and Child (1934) is one of the most beloved works in the Wakefield’s art collection. Hepworth carved Mother and Child during her second pregnancy, shortly before she gave birth to triplets. The sculpture shows Hepworth moving towards working in a more abstract form, while still recognisably that of a mother and baby; the facial features remain undefined with the exception of the two pin-pricks of the mother’s eyes. There is a sense of both nurture and of joy as the child perches atop the mother’s knee, cradled within the safety of her body.

Miffy and the Artists is available from The Hepworth Wakefield shop from Monday 17 February until Thursday 27 March 2025.

At The Hepworth Wakefield, families can take inspiration from Hepworth and Miffy during the half-term holiday.

On Monday 17, Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February, 11am-3.45pm, families can visit the Miffy-inspired Art Pod to enjoy Mother and Child-themed drawing and making activities.

Copies of Miffy and the Artists will be available on the Explore & Draw Stations (daily, 10am-4pm) for families to enjoy surrounded by works of art by Salvador Dalí, Barbara Hepworth, Louise Giovanelli, Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, Lee Miller, Veronica Ryan and many more.

Visitors of all ages can pick up free Miffy ears and colouring-in sheets from the gallery’s welcome desk – perfect for keeping children entertained during the school holidays.

Family activities are free for Members of The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield District residents and under 18s.

‘Miffy is an enduring character to lead us all into a world of books, stories, imagination and art. Miffy at the Seaside was one of my favourite books as a child. In part it was because I grew up by the sea in Brighton. This curious little rabbit – with the somewhat inscrutable expression – seemed to enjoy doing exactly the same things as me: building sandcastles with my bucket and spade, collecting shells and paddling in the freezing cold sea. They were ideal books for learning stories, words, colours and shapes. We had the whole series. I very much enjoyed reading them to my own children and seeing them again through their eyes and experiences. I look forward to reading about her new adventures: she’s long been part of my own.’ Simon Wallis, Director, The Hepworth Wakefield